Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis)
The most common skin condition affecting humans, which causes itching and redness of the affected area. It is caused by fungal infection called Tinea capitis.
There are two types of ringworm: primary and secondary. Primary ringworm occurs when there is no underlying cause such as allergic reaction or eczema; it may occur spontaneously or develop due to certain medications like antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines etc. Secondary ringworm occurs when there is some underlying cause such as dermatological conditions, trauma, burns etc. When the primary ringworm develops into secondary ringworm, it is usually treated with topical medication.
How to Get Rid of Ringworm?
There are various methods of getting rid of ringworm. Some methods include:
1. Using a Shampoo – If you have tried using any type of shampoo on your head, then you must know that it does not work very well for treating ringworm.
You need to use a product containing sulfur based ingredients such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil instead. These are more effective in treating ringworm.
2. Using a Lotion – Using a lotion instead of a shampoo for ringworm can be an equally effective way to get rid of it.
You can try using a lotion containing selenium sulphide, which helps in killing the fungus causing ringworm.
3. Using Ointment or Creams – Ringworm has certain characteristics that make it particularly susceptible to the actions of certain drugs.
You may need to take certain ointments or creams that are known to affect these characteristics.
4. Using Antifungal Medications – If you have used an antifungal medication and it did not work, then the next step is a course of prescription antifungals such as terbinafine or itraconazole.
These are also effective in ringworm on the groin, armpits or folds of the body.
5. Using Antibiotics – In some cases, an underlying condition such as a weakened immune system or diabetes exists and causing ringworm.
In this case, the doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic to treat the underlying condition such as rosacea or diabetes.
Which ringworm treatment is better?
If you have tried any of the above ringworm treatments and they did not work, then your next step is to see a doctor for a stronger ringworm treatment.
See more: Ringworm Pictures
Sources & references used in this article:
Tumors and other diseases following childhood x-ray treatment for ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitis) by RE Shore, M Moseson, N Harley, BS Pasternack – Health physics, 2003 – journals.lww.com
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). by FW Lynch – Journal-Lancet, 1945 – cabdirect.org
Tinea capitis: ringworm of the scalp by C Seebacher, D Abeck, J Brasch, O Cornely… – Mycoses, 2007 – researchgate.net
Skin cancer incidence among children irradiated for ringworm of the scalp by RE Shore, RE Albert, M Reed, N Harley… – Radiation …, 1984 – meridian.allenpress.com
Ringworm of the scalp in primary-school children in Alexandria: infection and carriage by AA Omar – EMHJ-Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 6 (5-6) …, 2000 – apps.who.int
Ringworm of the Scalp: Clinical Data on Recent Cases; Experiences with Local Endocrine Therapy by GM Lewis, ME Hopper, F Reiss – Journal of the American Medical …, 1946 – jamanetwork.com
Trichophyton tonsurans ringworm—a new public health problem by LK Georg – Public Health Reports, 1952 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mortality after radiotherapy for ringworm of the scalp by E RON, B Modan, JD BOICE JR – American journal of …, 1988 – academic.oup.com
