Tinea Capitis Ring Worm

Tinea Capitis

I. Definition:

Tinea Capitis or "ring worm of the scalp" refers to an itchy, scaly rash of the scalp. There are many causes of an itchy scalp; however, when it is caused by a fungus, the rash is known as tinea capitis. The fungus causing tinea capitis prefers hair follicles. This is why tinea capitis favors the scalp area. The affected hairs can harbor the fungus for a year or more. As these affected hairs are shed, other family members' scalps can become infected with the same fungus. Tinea capitis is most common between preschool-age and adolescence.

II. Causes:

Tinea capitis is caused by a fungus.
Tinea capitis is contagious: spreading through combs, brushes, caps, pillow cases, cloth chairs, and other inanimate objects.

III. Treatment:

Tinea capitis is usually treated with an antifungal, such as griseofulvin, which is taken by mouth for 8 weeks.
Tinea capitis is also treated with FungRx, an effective natural treatment, or Nizoral shampoo, which is used to wash the scalp 2-3 times a week.
It is very important to continue the use of the oral medication and shampoo for the entire 8 weeks. Treatment failure is common when medications are not taken everyday for the full 8 weeks.
Children who have tinea capitis are not required to leave school if treatment is used as directed. Most children are not contagious when using the oral medication and shampoo.

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