Ringworm (scalp)

Description

Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is a skin rash caused by a fungal infection. It usually causes itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance of a circle. No worm is involved.

Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious infection. It is more common in toddlers and school-age children. Ringworm of the head is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm of the body (tinea corporis).

Medications taken by mouth can kill the fungus that causes ringworm of the scalp. Medicated shampoos can help keep a person from the spread of the infection to others.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of ringworm of the scalp may include:

  • One or more round, scaly, or inflamed patches where the hair has broken off at or close to the scalp
  • The patches that slowly get larger and have small black dots where the hair has broken
  • Brittle or fragile hair that can be easily broken or pulled out
  • Tender or painful areas on your scalp

When to see a doctor

Several conditions that affect the scalp can have a similar appearance. Consult your child's doctor if your child has any of the hair loss, flaking and itching of the scalp, or out of the ordinary, the appearance of the scalp. It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis ad command prompt treatment with prescription drugs. Without prescription creams, lotions, and powders don't get rid of ringworm of the scalp.

Causes

Ringworm of the scalp is caused by a fungus common. The fungus attacks the outer layer of the skin in the scalp and hasto go. This causes the hairs to break. The condition can be spread in the following ways:

  • Human-to-human. Ringworm often spreads by direct contact of skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
  • From animals to humans. You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while petting or grooming dogs or cats with ringworm. Ringworm is quite common in kittens, puppies, cows, goats, pigs and horses.
  • Object to human. It is possible that the ringworm is spread by contact with objects or surfaces thto an infected person or animal has recently touched. This includes items such as clothing, towels, bedding, combs, and brushes.

Risk factors

The risk factors for ringworm of the scalp include:

  • Age. Ringworm of the scalp is most common in toddlers and school-agand children.
  • Exposure to other children. Outbreaks of ringworm are common in schools and child care centers where the infection is spread easily by close contact.
  • Exposure to pets. A pet, like a dog or a cat, they can have the infection without showing ifgns. Children can contract the infection by contact with the animal.

Complications

Some people with ringworm of the scalp may develop a severe inflammation called a kerion. Kerion appears as soft, raised swellings that drain the pus and the cause of thick, yellow scabs from forming in thand scalp.

With kerion, the hair falls out or can be easily carried out. The condition can be caused by an excessive vigorous reaction to the fungus and can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.

Prevention

Ringworm of the scalp is difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes it is common, and the condition is contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce the risk of ringworm:

  • Educate yourself and others. Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell the children about ringworm, what to see and how to prevent infection.
  • Shampoo regularly. Be sure to wash the baby's scalp regularly, especially after haircuts. Some scalp conditioning products, such as coconut oil and ointments with selenium, may help to prevent ringworm of the scalp.
  • Keep the skin clean and dry. Make sure that children wash their hands, even after playing with pets. Keep common areas clean, especially in schools, child care centers, gyms, and locker rooms.
  • Avoid infected animals. The infection often looks like a patch of skin where the skin is missing. If you have pets or other animals that usually lead to the stain, ask your veterinarian to check the infection.
  • Avoid sharing personal items. Teach children not to allow other people to use your clothes, towels, hairbof the reeds, sports equipment or other articles of personal use.

Ringworm (scalp)

Diagnosis

It is likely that your doctor will be able to diagnose ringworm of the scalp by looking at the affected skin and ask some questions. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may take a sample of hair or skin to be tested in a laboratory. The testing of a sample of hair or skin may show if a fungus that is present.

Treatment

The treatment for ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription-strength antifungal medication taken by mouth. The first choice of medication is usu -ally griseofulvin (Gris-Peg). The alternatives could be used if the griseofulvin does not work or your child is allergic to it. These include terbinafine, and itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura). Your child may need to take one of these medications for six weeks or more — until the hair regrows. Normally, with the success of the treatment, baldness is going to grow the new hair, skin and heal without scarring.

Your doctor may recommend that you also wash your child's hair with a prescription-strength medicated shampoo. The shampoo removes fungal spores, and helps to prevent the spread of the infection to other people or to other areas of the body.

There is No need for shaving the head or cutting the hair as part of the treatment.

Preparing for your appointment

If your child has a condition af -fecting the scalp, it is likely to start by seeing your family doctor or child's pediatrician. You may be referred to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When did you start noticing the symptoms?
  • What made the scalp are similar to the symptoms, when it appeared for the first time?
  • Is the eruption of pain or itching?
  • What, if anything, makes the condition better or worse?
  • Do you have any pets at home, or your child has been around farm animals?
  • Not anusof her family member or a pet has ringworm?
  • Do you know of cases of ringworm in your child's school?

Questions for your doctor

The questions that you might be prepared to ask your doctor include:

  • If this is the ringworm, what can we do to prevent infection of the extension?
  • What is hair care routines do you recommend as the condition is cured?
  • When my child return to school?
  • Should I schedule a follow-up appointment for my child?
  • Should I make an appointment for my other children, even if they show no signs or symptoms of right now?
Symptoms and treatment of Ringworm (scalp)