Which preventative measure helps reduce spread of tinea capitis?

• A. Do not wash hair
• B. Do not share hats, combs, or other items used by infected individuals
• C. Avoid sunlight
• D. Keep nails trimmed

Answer: (B)

Tinea capitis is a scalp fungal infection that can spread through spores left on objects that contact the hair and scalp. The strongest way to prevent transmission is to avoid sharing items that touch the scalp, such as hats, combs, brushes, and towels, with someone who is infected. Using your own personal items and ensuring shared items are cleaned or not used by others significantly reduces the chance of spreading the fungus. Other options don’t target the main route of transmission: avoiding sunlight isn’t relevant to fungal spread, keeping nails trimmed doesn’t prevent scalp infection, and not washing hair would not effectively stop transmission and could even maintain a contaminated environment.