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Tinea capitis or ‘scalp ringworm’ is an infection of the scalp hair and the surrounding skin with a
fungus
.The appearance of tinea capitis can vary and can resemble conditions such as dandruff, alopecia, eczema or psoriasis of the scalp. Your doctor may use a dermatoscope which is a hand-held light with a powerful magnifying lens to help decide on the condition affecting the scalp.
The symptoms include itching, redness and dryness of the scalp. Sometimes bald patches can occur as infected hairs are brittle and break easily.
In more severe cases there can be pustules (white/yellow headed spots), yellow crusts and matted hair and, very rarely, a painful boggy (soft spongy) swelling filled with pus and overlying hair loss called a kerion. In these cases, people affected may have a fever or swollen, painful glands in the neck.
Occasionally the body reacts to the fungus by causing an itchy rash at a site other than the scalp, such as the ear or the palms and soles. This is called an ‘id reaction’ and can appear when treatment is started. This “id reaction” can be treated with steroid creams.
Is tinea capitis contagious?
Tinea capitis is contagious. The infection is spread through close contact with an infected person, or by sharing combs, hairbrushes, hats, clothing, towels, beds and other furniture with someone who is infected. It is also possible to catch ringworm from infected animals such as dogs, cats, horses or farm animals. The fungus can live for long periods of time in the environment and therefore infection can occur many months late
Can tinea capitis be cured?
Yes. It can be cured if treated adequately as it is an infection. However, in order to prevent re-infection, other family members and close contacts may need to be checked to make sure they are not carrying the infection.
How can tinea capitis be treated?
Tinea capitis needs to be treated with oral antifungal medication and antifungal shampoo to reduce spread of the fungus to other people.
How do I prevent further infection and stop the spread of infection?
Inform your child’s schoolteacher, parents of classmates and other playmates so children may be examined and treated if necessary. If more than two children in a school or nursery class are infected, the rest of the class may need to be tested (after parental consent). Children should be allowed to attend school or nursery once treatment with an oral antifungal medication and a medicated shampoo has been started.
In order to prevent further infection, other family members and pets should be examined by a doctor or vet respectively and treated with oral antifungal medication if infection is present. Sometimes it is best for the whole family to be treated with a medicated antifungal shampoo twice a week for four weeks, whether or not fungal infection is proven.
Self-care (What can I do?)
Avoid sharing combs, hairbrushes, hats, towels, pillowcases, or helmets with other people. Fungus can live in combs, hairbrushes, and hair accessories, so clean them with simple bleach or purchase new ones. Do not visit the hairdressers or barbers until the infection is clear. Ensure that the hairdresser/barber sterilises their combs, scissors, clippers etc., between clients. Wash all bedding, towels and hats at 60˚C.