About Scalp Ringworm Treatment and General Information about Ringworm

Ringworm of the scalp is an infection of the scalp, by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. It is also called as Tinea Capitis. Tinea is the medical term for a group of fungus that cause skin infections which include athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis), jock itch (Tinea cruris), nail infections (Tinea unguium) and ringworm of the body (Tinea Corporis). The first signs of ringworm may appear as dandruff-like white scales that cause itching. In early stage, scalp ringworm can be mistaken for plain dandruff leading to wrong treatment.

In the United States, 3 to 8 percent of the population is affected by scalp ringworm. Ringworm of the scalp is common among children than in adults. In fact, more than 90 percent of the cases are seen in children. It is contagious and spreads easily to other children. Fifty percent of all hair loss cases in children are due to scalp ringworm.

Ringworm of the scalp is sometimes inflamed, itchy and red, and usually round to the size of a quarter which later becomes bald and results in patches of baldness all over the scalp. The infection often attacks the hair follicle, causing it to break off. The lymph nodes of the neck may sometimes become swollen and tender. In rare cases, there may also be a fever. Excessive sweating of the scalp or infrequent hair washing creates an environment for dermatophytes to live in.

Ringworm infection is transferred by way of contact with animals also, such as dogs, cats, cows, hamsters and guinea pigs. Most animals live with a skin fungus without any symptoms, but the fungus can be transferred to humans. It can also be transmitted from person to person, or person to objects such as hats, combs, unwashed clothing and bedding, and other items include barber or hairstylist tools.

Doctors usually diagnose through visual inspection of the scalp, microscopic examination of the hair and scalp scrapping and culture test of the fungi from the scalp where the fungi is allowed to feed and grow in a process for 7 to 10 days.

Treatment for ringworm of the scalp can be both topical and oral medicines. Topical antifungal creams or anti-dandruff shampoo are prescribed to clean the surface of the scalp from spores and fungi thereby reducing the chance of transforming the infection to others. However, topical treatments cannot get inside the skin or into the hair follicles where the fungus lives. Therefore, systematic antifungal medication like Fungrx is needed.

People affected with scalp fungi should avoid dark and humid places. A lot of air and sun is recommended. The scalp should be regularly washed and gently wiped until it becomes dry. Application of antifungal powder would keep them dry. In severe cases, oral fungicidal antibiotics should be taken for 4 to 10 weeks until the condition disappears or it should be proven in culture test.

To prevent scalp ringworm from affecting, always keep the skin dry; do not share combs and towels with others and regularly wash hair with an antifungal shampoo.

By: Lindsay Fox

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