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Home > Skin & Beauty > Hair & Scalp > Ringworm of the Scalp: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Ringworm of the Scalp: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

November 21, 2022
3 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • Causes of Ringworm on Scalp
  • Symptoms of Scalp Ringworm
  • Treatment for Ringworm of the Scalp
  • Diagnosing Scalp Ringworm
  • How Long Does It Last?
  • Risk Factors and Complications
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Final Word

Scalp ringworm, or tinea capitis, is a fungal infection of the scalp. It can cause itching, irritation, and circular raised patches on the skin. (1)

ringworm of the scalp: causes, signs, and treatment

Contrary to the name, there are no worms involved in this disease. Ringworm is caused by fungi such as Trichophyton tonsurans and Candida albicans. It can occur anywhere on the body – from the feet, thighs, and underarms to the scalp. (2)

Causes of Ringworm on Scalp

The most common causative agent for scalp ringworm is Trichophyton tonsurans. It is a contagious disease. This fungus can spread from one person to another via direct or indirect contact. (3)

  • Direct contact from infected people or animals to healthy individuals occurs via fungal spores.
  • Indirect contact is the transmission of the infection via hairbrushes, combs, towels, etc.

Symptoms of Scalp Ringworm

Scalp ringworm is commonly seen in children and can cause the following symptoms:

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  • Hair loss
  • Itching and irritation
  • Dry, flaky scalp
  • Rash on the scalp or skin around it
  • Kerion
  • Agminate folliculitis

As you can probably tell, these symptoms are very generic and can occur in a number of scalp conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and alopecia areata. Hence, it is necessary to get yourself properly evaluated by a doctor for a correct diagnosis. (4)(5)

Treatment for Ringworm of the Scalp

Ringworm of the scalp may require you to take antifungal tablets. The most commonly prescribed medicines for ringworm are:

  • Fluconazole
  • Itraconazole
  • Terbinafine
  • Griseofulvin (6)

Your doctor may also ask you to use an antifungal shampoo such as a ketoconazole shampoo or a selenium sulfide shampoo for a while. (3)

Diagnosing Scalp Ringworm

ways to diagnose ringworm of the scalp

Your doctor will be able to diagnose tinea capitis by examining your scalp and hair.

In some cases, your scalp may need to be examined under a Wood’s lamp (a type of UV light). Your doctor may collect a sample from your scalp for a fungal culture test.

For recurrent infections, you may ask to undergo a few blood tests to rule out accessory conditions such as diabetes.

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How Long Does It Last?

Scalp ringworm will resolve within a few weeks with the right treatment. If you have lost hair due to it, the hair will grow back within 6 months after completing treatment.

Risk Factors and Complications

The risk factors that can increase the chances of a ringworm infection include:

risk factors and complications related to scalp ringworm
  • Diabetes
  • Compromised or weakened immune system
  • Sharing of combs, hairbrushes, towels, etc.
  • Not washing the hair regularly
  • Infected pets

When to See a Doctor

Call a healthcare provider if:

  • You develop a fever along with the infection.
  • You have severe itching or discomfort.
  • Your symptoms do not seem to resolve after over-the-counter treatment.
What you may ask your doctor
  • Can my child attend school with this condition?
  • Are there preventive measures I can take to avoid recurrence?
What your doctor may ask you
  • Have you recently come in contact with anyone who has ringworm?
  • Do you have pets?
  • When did the rash start?
  • Have you recently gotten a haircut or hair wash at a salon?

Final Word

Scalp ringworm is not a serious condition but can turn into one if not treated properly. Consult a doctor immediately if you suspect you or your child is suffering from this infection.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingRingworm of the Scalp: 7 Home Remedies to Manage It
References
  1. How ringworm spreads. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/sources.html. Published January 14, 2021.
  2. Al Aboud AM, Crane JS. Tinea Capitis. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536909/.
  3. Hay RJ. Tinea Capitis: Current Status. Mycopathologia. 2017;182(1-2):87-93. doi:10.1007/s11046-016-0058-8.
  4. Symptoms of ringworm| ringworm. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/symptoms.html. Published January 14, 2021.
  5. Bennassar A, Grimalt R. Management of tinea capitis in childhood. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:89-98. Published 2010 Jul 14. doi:10.2147/ccid.s7992.
  6. Shalaby MF, El-Din AN, El-Hamd MA. Isolation, Identification, and In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Dermatophytes from Clinical Samples at Sohag University Hospital in Egypt. Electron Physician. 2016;8(6):2557-2567. Published 2016 Jun 25. doi:10.19082/2557.
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