New Mexico Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

Tinea capitis is a common type of fungal infection specifically affecting the scalp. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which thrive on keratin found in hair, skin, and nails. This infection typically manifests as itchy, scaly patches and may lead to hair loss in the affected areas. The term "tinea" refers to a group of skin infections caused by these fungi, and "capitis" indicates that the scalp is the location impacted.

Understanding tinea capitis is essential for those in the cosmetology field, as proper identification and knowledge of treatment protocols can help prevent the spread of infection within a salon or spa setting.

While dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by flaking skin and may involve some fungal presence, it is not classified as a fungal infection in the same way tinea capitis is. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can affect the scalp, presenting with red patches and silvery scales but is not a fungal infection. Ringworm, though sometimes colloquially associated with fungal infections of the skin, is a broader term that can apply to various types of dermatophyte infections across the body but does not specifically refer to the scalp unless directly preceded by "capitis." Therefore, tinea