Tinea capitis (Scalp Ringworm)

Tinea capitis also known, as Scalp ringworm is a contagious skin infection caused by a fungus, which usually affects the children.



It appears as red ring on an infected person's skin and occurs when various fungal organisms known as dermatophytes infect tissues on the hair and skin. This organism can also affect other parts of the body causing Ringworm on the foot, nail and the body. It usually spreads from one person to another that is if someone is the carrier of the organism then he can spread it to others. Scalp Ringworm is caused by the fungus that lives in humans and animals, body Ringworm from humans, animals, and soil and foot and nail ringworm from humans only. Scalp ringworm is more common among children aged 4-14 years but can often affect adults also.

Almost 90 % of the scalp ringworm is caused by Trichophyton tonsurans, which is a fungus that causes hair to break by infecting them. Scalp ringworm is closely related to hygiene and therefore people living in urban or over crowded areas or those sharing towels, combs, hats, brushes, clothes, bed linens etc have high risk of becoming victim. The reason for this is that fungus remains alive on these things for long periods. School going children usually get it from other children who are carrying it. Also children having weak immune systems or those who are patients of diabetes, AIDS, or cancer can easily become victim. One can also become victim of scalp ringworm from animals or soil. Animals having fungal infections on their skin can easily pass it to humans causing more irritation, redness and scaling compared to ringworm that is caused from other sources. In many cases there can be no specific reason for scalp ringworm but it can still occur.

Ringworm of the scalp is a fungus infection of the hair. Scalp ringworm can result in different situations such as round patches of hair loss on the scalp which keeps on increasing in size, scaly scalp, mild itching on the scalp and ringworm on the face. Scalp ringworm usually begins with a small pimple that becomes larger resulting in redness, flakiness, and itchiness and scaling on the scalp. People infected with scalp ringworm suffer through extensive hair loss during this period, which result in bald patches. These bald patches are usually inflamed and very scaly and the hairs that break out remain scattered in the bald patches.

More symptoms and signs of scalp ringworm depend on the infecting organism causing it. Trichophyton organism, which is the most common organism for causing scalps ringworm usually, give rise to black dot ringworm. This organism causes extensive hair loss because it infects the hair shafts making them brittle and weak. Ringworm caused by Microsporum organism give rise to Gray patch on the scalp. It starts as cuts and red bumps around the hair shaft that grows outward and turn to circular dry rings. All the hair in the infected area becomes weak and gray and then finally falls out. Inflammatory ringworm occurs from Fungus from animals or soil, which often give rise to permanent scarring and hair loss.

There are many antifungal creams, lotions and shampoos available to treat scalp ringworm. Oral antifungal medicines also come in different suspensions and should only be taken as prescribed by the doctor depending on the severeity of your infection. Many antifungal creams or lotions are not capable of reaching the fungus deep in the hair roots and so are not considered as an effective treatment. Washing hair with an antifungal shampoo is useful because it makes a person less contagious and kills ringworm spores. The best way to use the anti fungal shampoo is to Lather and leave it on the scalp for 10 minutes before rinsing. This procedure should be followed twice a week and the use of oil should be prevented in these days as it makes the ringworm more contagious. Some people think that the best way to deal with scalp ringworm is to get their hair completely shaved. This is a common myth, which often gives harmful results.

Scalp Ringworm usually becomes visible after 10 to 14 days of the passing of the infection. If the area looks infected with pus or yellow crust then you should consult the doctor immediately. However the ringworm keeps on increasing even after 2 weeks of treatment. Although ringworm of the scalp is not dangerous but if you don’t treat it properly it will keep spreading to other parts of the scalp. The hair that falls out during the infection normally grows back after 6 to 12 months. In order to prevent scalp ringworm follow proper treatment, avoid contact with infected people and pets, keep your personal things clean and avoid sharing them with other people and maintain cleanliness in your surrounding areas.