Iowa Barber Practice Exam

The signs of a fungal infection on the scalp prominently include redness, itching, flaking, and potential hair loss. Fungal infections, such as tinea capitis (commonly known as scalp ringworm), lead to inflammation of the scalp, which manifests as redness and discomfort. Itching is a common symptom due to the body's immune response to the presence of the fungal elements. The flaking is typically a result of irritation and the shedding of skin cells in reaction to the infection. In more severe cases, the infection can disrupt the hair follicles, potentially leading to hair loss in the affected areas.

Other choices, while mentioning hair and scalp conditions, do not specify the unique symptoms associated with fungal infections. Dryness and brittleness of hair relate more to conditions of dehydration or damage rather than an infection, excessive oiliness and dandruff pertain more to seborrheic dermatitis or other scalp issues, and hair thinning alongside split ends does not indicate a fungal infection, but could be due to various other hair health issues. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.