Texas Cosmetology License Practice Exam

A common symptom of a fungal infection on the scalp is flaky, itchy patches or hair loss. Fungal infections, such as tinea capitis (also known as ringworm of the scalp), typically manifest as red, scaly patches that may become itchy and inflamed. These areas can lead to hair loss in the affected regions due to the infection disrupting the normal hair growth cycle.

The presence of flakes can resemble dandruff, but unlike typical dandruff, which often responds to over-the-counter treatments, a fungal infection may require antifungal medication for resolution. The itchiness associated with fungal infections can vary in intensity and represents the body’s inflammatory response to the fungal presence.

Other options do not accurately represent symptoms associated with a fungal infection. Hair growth stimulation is not a characteristic of fungal infections and may be misleading, as infections usually impede healthy growth and may cause hair loss. Excessive oiliness is often related to seborrheic dermatitis or oily scalp conditions, not directly tied to fungal infections. Unusual hair color is not typically indicative of a fungal infection and might suggest other hair issues such as chemical damage or environmental factors.