Causes and symptoms of scalp fungus

1. Symptoms of scalp fungus

Signs and symptoms of tinea capitis may include:

- One or more round, scaly, or inflamed patches where hair has broken off at or near the scalp

- The scales gradually get larger and there are small black dots where the hair is broken

- Hair is brittle or brittle, easily breaking or pulling out

- Sore or painful areas on the scalp

When to see a doctor: Some conditions that affect the scalp can have similar symptoms. See your child's doctor if your child has hair loss, scaly or itchy scalp, or other scalp abnormalities. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment with prescription medications. Over-the-counter creams, lotions, and powders will not eliminate scalp fungus.

2. Causes of ringworm on the scalp

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

- Human to human: Ringworm is often spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

- Animals to humans: You can get ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Ringworm can be spread by petting or grooming a dog or cat with ringworm. Ringworm is quite common in cats, dogs, cows, goats, pigs and horses.

- Objects with humans: Ringworm can be spread by contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has recently touched. This includes items such as clothing, towels, bedding, combs and brushes.

3. Risk factors for ringworm of the scalp

Risk factors for ringworm include:

Age: Ringworm of the scalp is most common in toddlers and school-aged children.

Contact with other children: Ringworm outbreaks are common in schools and child care centers, where the infection is easily spread by close contact.

Contact with pets: A pet, such as a cat or a dog, can be infected without showing any signs. Children can get infections from touching animals.

4. Complications of ringworm of the scalp

Some people with ringworm on the scalp may develop a severe inflammation called kerion. Kerion appears as soft, raised blisters that ooze pus and form thick, yellow scales on the scalp.

With kerion, hair falls out or can be easily pulled out. This condition can be caused by an extreme reaction to the fungus and can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.

5. How to prevent scalp fungus

Scalp fungus is very difficult to prevent. The fungus that causes this disease is common, and the condition can be contagious even before symptoms appear. Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm:

- Educate yourself and others: Be aware of the risk of ringworm from infected people or pets. Tell children about ringworm, what to pay attention to and how to avoid infection.

- Wash hair regularly: Make sure to wash your child's hair regularly, especially after a haircut. Some scalp products, such as coconut oil and pomades containing selenium, can help prevent scalp fungus.

- Keep skin clean and dry: Make sure 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: If you have pets or other animals that commonly carry ringworm, ask your veterinarian to check them for fungal infections.

- Avoid sharing personal items: Teach children not to let others use their clothes, towels, hairbrushes, sports equipment or other personal items.

6. How to treat scalp fungus?

Treatment of scalp fungus requires prescription antifungal medication. The drug of first choice is usually griseofulvin. Alternative remedies can be used if Griseofulvin does not work or your child is allergic to it. These include terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole. Your child may need to take one of these medications for six weeks or more - until the hair grows back. Usually, if treatment is successful, the bald spots will grow hair again and the skin will heal without scarring.

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

There is no need to shave your head or cut your hair as part of the treatment.