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Scalp ringworm may not sound like a very common medical condition, but did you know that nearly 10% of the U.S. population will get it each year? While that may surprise most people, the biggest issues of concern are how do you get scalp ringworm, and how do you get rid of it?
The causes of scalp ringworm
A skin fungus, which is called dermatophytes is the cause for scalp ringworm. These dermatophytes can be found in not only people, but your pets, farm animals like cattle and sheep, and even in the dirt of the ground.
You get this skin fungus by coming in direct contact with someone else who has the infection.
How can you get scalp ringworm?
You can get the infection through something as simple as sharing a bath towel, a hair brush or comb, a cap or hat, bedding, clothing, and even from contact from an infected hair.
This is why scalp ringworm is most common in children ages 4-14. Kids just normally share these items. How many times do kids wear a friends hat, etc?
What are scalp ringworm symptoms?
Generally, you'll know you have this skin infection by the severe itching, the patchy red area on your head, and the loss of your hair around the infected part of your scalp. You may also notice your lymph nodes getting bigger in some cases.
How do you treat scalp ringworm?
Thankfully, getting rid of this infection is not terribly difficult. Only in the most severe of cases would a doctors visit be needed.
You can buy an over the counter medication, or use a hair shampoo containing selenium sulfide. Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment is one brand that has been effective in treating scalp ringworm.
If a trip to the doctor is necessary, most likely they will prescribe Griseofulvin. This prescription medicine is taken every day for 6 weeks.
In most cases, with treatment, scalp ringworm can be cured in 6-8 weeks.
By: Terry Edwards
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