Which condition presents with itchy red circular patches on the scalp and brittle hair?

Which condition presents with itchy red circular patches on the scalp and brittle hair?

• A. Tinea Pedis
• B. Alopecia Areata
• C. Tinea Capitis
• D. Scabies

Answer: (C)

It’s about recognizing a fungal infection of the scalp. When a dermatophyte invades the scalp, it often creates itchy, red, circular or oval patches with scaling. The hair in these patches tends to become brittle and break off at the shaft, which gives a frayed, “split” look and can leave visible short stubs or black dots where hair has broken. This pattern is classic for Tinea Capitis, the fungal infection of the scalp. It’s more common in children and is spread through close contact or sharing objects. Other conditions don’t fit this same scalp presentation. Tinea Pedis is a fungal infection of the feet, not the scalp. Alopecia Areata causes patchy hair loss with smooth skin and usually isn’t itchy or scaly. Scabies causes intense itching with a papular rash and burrows often in finger webs and affected areas, not itchy circular patches with brittle hair on the scalp.

It’s about recognizing a fungal infection of the scalp. When a dermatophyte invades the scalp, it often creates itchy, red, circular or oval patches with scaling. The hair in these patches tends to become brittle and break off at the shaft, which gives a frayed, “split” look and can leave visible short stubs or black dots where hair has broken.

This pattern is classic for Tinea Capitis, the fungal infection of the scalp. It’s more common in children and is spread through close contact or sharing objects.

Other conditions don’t fit this same scalp presentation. Tinea Pedis is a fungal infection of the feet, not the scalp. Alopecia Areata causes patchy hair loss with smooth skin and usually isn’t itchy or scaly. Scabies causes intense itching with a papular rash and burrows often in finger webs and affected areas, not itchy circular patches with brittle hair on the scalp.