Children commonly develop or contract scalp diseases. Some, such as cradle cap and dandruff, develop sporadically. Other scalp diseases, such as ringworm and head lice, occur due to infections or parasitic infestations. Infectious scalp disorders are contagious; prompt treatment helps prevent spread to other children and household contacts.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Cradle cap is the common name for seborrheic dermatitis among infants. This scalp disorder usually presents within the first months life. Greasy scaling and redness typify seborrheic dermatitis. In some children, the disorder may occur on both the head and in the diaper area. Among children with an underlying immune system deficiency, seborrheic dermatitis may spread to other areas of the body. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that uncomplicated cradle cap usually clears without treatment by a child's first birthday. The cause of the disorder remains a matter of conjecture.
Pityriasis Capitis
Pityriasis capitis, more commonly known as dandruff, occurs frequently throughout childhood. Dry flaking of the scalp characterizes this common condition. In a study published in the "Archives of Dermatology," Dr. Peter Foley and colleagues reported that approximately 42 percent of children younger than age 6 have dandruff, with most minimally to mildly affected.
Scalp Ringworm
Scalp ringworm represents a fungal infection of the scalp, not a parasitic worm infestation. According to "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professions," the fungus Trichophyton tonsurans causes most cases of scalp ringworm, also known as tinea capitis. The disorder most commonly affects children and proves highly contagious. In a study published in the journal "Pediatrics," Dr. Susan Abdel-Rahman and colleagues noted that 22 to 51 percent of preschool-age children in a large daycare center demonstrated scalp ringworm in any given month over a two-year study period. Sharing combs, brushes or hats can spread tinea capitis. Patchy dry scales gradual develop, often with hair breakage at the scalp. Uncommonly, the infection presents as dandruff-like scaling throughout the scalp. In rare instances, large inflamed sores called kerions develop, which may cause permanent hair loss. Treatment includes oral antifungal medication and medicated shampoo.
Head Lice
Infestation with the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis causes head lice. Infestations most commonly occur in children and among contacts of children with the condition. The insects live in the hair near the scalp and feed on blood by biting the scalp skin. Bites provoke a skin reaction, causing itching. Lice spread by close contact or through sharing hats, clothing, combs or brushes. The insects crawl, but cannot fly or jump. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 6 to 12 million children age 3 to 11 years contract head lice each year in the United States.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- "American Family Physician"; Seborrheic Dermatitis: An Overview; Robert A. Schwartz, M.D., M.P.H., et al.; July 2006
- "Archives of Dermatology"; The Frequency of Common Skin Conditions in Preschool-Aged Children in Australia: Seborrheic Dermatitis and Pityriasis Capitis (Cradle Cap); Peter Foley, M.D., et al.; March 2003
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Dermatophytoses, Tinea Capitis
- "Pediatrics"; Tracking Trichophyton tonsurans Through a Large Urban Child Care Center: Defining Infection Prevalence and Transmission Patterns by Molecular Strain Typing; Susan M. Abdel-Rahman, Pharm.D., et al.; December 2006
