scald-head

A child with scald-head sits on a doctor's examination table.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A skin disease of the scalp: "scald-head" refers to a medical condition, typically found in children, characterized by scabby or scaly patches on the scalp. It is often associated with fungal infections or impetigo.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor diagnosed the child with scald-head after noticing the crusty patches on his scalp. (A skin disease causing scabs on the head.)
  • In the past, scald-head was a common ailment among schoolchildren in crowded conditions. (A historical term for a scalp infection.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have scald-head": to suffer from this scalp condition.
  • The old medical texts described how to treat children who had scald-head. (To be afflicted with the disease.)

Variants and Related Words

• Scald (verb/noun): to burn with hot liquid or steam; also, a skin injury from heat.

  • She accidentally scalded her hand with boiling water. (To burn with hot liquid.)

• Scaly (adj): covered with or resembling scales (often used for skin conditions).

  • The scald-head left the child's scalp dry and scaly. (Having a rough, flaky texture.)

• Head (noun): the upper part of the body containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

  • The infection was limited to the head and did not spread to the neck. (The part of the body where scald-head occurs.)

Synonyms

• Ringworm of the scalp: a fungal infection causing similar symptoms.
• Tinea capitis: the medical term for fungal scalp infection.
• Scalp impetigo: a bacterial skin infection that can cause crusty sores.

Related Idioms

• To be a scald-head: (archaic, informal) to be a person suffering from this condition.
  • In the village, the boy was cruelly called a scald-head by his peers. (A derogatory term for someone with the disease.)