Loss of hair on kittens tail

Question
Dear Dr. Fry,

  I have a 12 week old kitten whom I have had for almost four weeks. I have just recently notice that the tip of his tail was losing some hair, and is kind of crusted with dry skin. It almost looks that the tip is dead. What do you think the cause is. He is an indoor kitten, who ia not around any other cats or animals, and does not seem to have any other skin problems.  

Answer
If his tail did not suffer any trauma, then I would be concerned about Ringworm.  You should take him to the vet for a wood's light exam and fungal culture as ringworm is contagious to other animals and people.  In the meantime, you can start applying Lotrim (clotrimazole or miconazole) cream to the areas 2-3 times a day.