Ringworm of the scalp

Description

Ringworm of the scalp or tinea capitis. Skin infection caused by the fungi. A rash has very characteristic appearance: red ring around the skin of normal appearance. These fungi affect the skin on the body (tinea corpis), skin of the head (tinea capitis), skin of the groin (tinea cruris) or feet (tinea pedis, athlete’s foot). The fungi can be located on several surfaces of the skin at the same time. The infection can be acquired through the contact with infected people, infected animals or through the contact with objects containing the fungus such as sheets, clothes or hairbrush.

Symptoms

Itch, red scaly changes on the skin which may have sharply defined edges with redness – red ring and normal appearance in the center. Baldness appears on the infected portion of the skin.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Diagnosis often may be determined by characteristic appearance of a rash. A doctor may use a microscope during a skin examination. Additional lab analysis should rarely be done.

Specialists

Dermatology, General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Topical medicines administrated to the skin of the scalp usually are not efficient because they cannot penetrate deep enough. Oral medicines that are usually used include:griseofulvin and terbinafine hydrochloride. Treatment can last 4-6 weeks and response to medications sometimes is not visible for weeks. Avoiding contact or treatment of other infected people and pets are indispensable to prevent re-infections.