RINGWORM (TINEA CAPITIS)

General Information:

Tinea Capitis (Ringworm, Fungal Scalp Infection):

• May appear as:
  • Bald patches in the scalp
  • Flaky, red patches with hair loss
  • Bald patches with tiny black "dots" which are broken hairs
  • A boggy mass filled with pus (Kerion)
  • Swollen lymph glands at the back of the neck
• Is caused by a fungus - usually the species Trichophyton tonsurans or Microsporum canis
• Is not caused by worms
• Is not caused by diet
• Is spread by sharing contaminated scissor, hair styling tools, hats, pillows, combs, hair extensions
• Does not usually produce permanent hair loss
• Often affects several members of the same household as it is easily transmitted
• Is more common in children
• Is more common in people with dark skin and very curly hair
• May produce scaly ring-shaped lesions on the skin as well as affecting the scalp.

Treatment:

• Check everyone in the household for skin and scalp lesions
• One untreated person can spread the infection to everyone in the home
• Do not share hair styling tools, hats, pillows, combs etc. without disinfecting them first
• Antifungal creams and shampoos are NOT adequate to treat fungal scalp infections.  The infection is located deep in the hair follicle and the only effective treatment is with oral medications (pills).
• A variety of pills are available.
• Please discuss your treatment options with your doctor.

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