Cases of Scalp Ringworm aka Tinea Capitis, Increase

According to a market research report regarding the treatment of Tinea Capitis - ringworm of the scalp - this infection is on the rise.

Data provided by the Industry Daily Observer as part of the research report 'Tinea Capitis Treatment Market - Global Industry Trend Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Forecast 2018 - 2026' showed the condition is having a global uptick.

Luckily, there are various treatment solutions available for this scalp condition, which is often accompanied by areas of hair loss.

More prevalent in boys

Tinea capitis generally affects prepubescent children aged between 3 and 10 years old, though it can also affect post-menopausal adults who are caretakers of young children.

It is more commonly found in urban areas and displays as rounded scaly, flaking patches of skin with fine hair loss and black dots, which can be hard to spot when mild.

It is a fungal or dermatophyte infection which tends to be more prevalent in boys than in girls. There are two key dermatophytes which tend to cause the majority of cases, Microsporum spp. and Trichophyton spp.

Whilst Microsporum canis is the most common cause of European cases - particularly in Mediterranean border countries, Trichophyton tonsurans are described as being "highly prevalent" in the UK, reportedly accounting for 50-90 per cent of diagnoses.

Microsporum canis is a fungus which can infect the upper layers of the skin of domesticated cats. It can also be found in the skin of dogs and humans; as such, it is largely passed on by animals, especially puppies and kittens.

Trichophyton tonsurans is a fungus said in a Pediatric Clinical Advisor report in 2007, to be responsible for 95 per cent of Tinea Capitis cases in North and South America. The new report advises that "ethnicity, social as well as cultural factors are registered to play an important role" in its spreading among black communities across Europe and both North and South America.

General factors involved in catching tinea capitis include overcrowding, schools, hairdressing salons and sharing combs.

Anti-fungal treatments

Tinea capitis is usually treated using anti-fungal therapies, whether oral or topical and treatment tends to be fairly short-term - usually daily for a matter of weeks.

Some of the more popular options include oral ketoconazole, medicated ketoconazole or selenium sulfide shampoo, and miconazole antifungal cream. The strength and frequency of use will be determined by the professional prescribing treatment, including options which are available over-the-counter, and is based on factors including the child's age and overall health.

The market report states that "In the United States, the prevalence of Tinea capitis ranges from 3%-13%, that is expected to drive the demand for antifungal therapy in Tinea capitis treatment market. However, incidence for Tinea capitis is lowest in Spain and Palestine (<1%) and is highest in Ethiopia (~50%)."

Due to the fact this condition almost exclusively affects young children, Belgravia does not offer treatments for Tinea Capitis. Anyone concerned about this infectious condition should approach their GP or dermatologist for assistance.