About this topic
Tinea capitis is also called ringworm of the scalp. It is caused by a germ. It is not caused by a worm. The infected skin is often shaped like a ring with reddish edges. The center may be flaky, dry, and itchy. You may also have bald patches on your scalp. There may be raised sores with draining pus that cause thick crusty areas on the scalp. You can have ringworm on all parts of your body. ‚
This infection spreads easily from one person to another. You can get it by touching other people or by touching things that they have touched. The germs can also be spread by pets. Toddlers and young children often have this infection. Tinea capitis is treated by drugs taken by mouth and with lotions or shampoos made with certain drugs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Follow your doctors directions on how to use any drugs or special shampoos. Make sure to use them properly. Wash your hands before and after using any special shampoos.
- Try not to scratch your head.
- Wash your hair often.
- Wash towels in warm, soapy water after each use.
- Soak combs and hair brushes in a solution of half bleach and half water for 1 hour.
- Do not share combs, brushes, washcloths, towels, or hats. This could spread the infection to other people.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Relieve itching
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities will not be limited. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Hair loss
- Scars on the head
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not share things like hair brushes, combs, hair pieces, hats, bedding, towels, helmets, or clothing.
- Keep your skin, hair, and nails clean and dry.
- Avoid touching infected animals. If your pet has areas where fur is missing, be sure to have the animal checked by a veterinarian.
- Teach children to wash hands often.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Infected area spreads after treatment
- Infected area is red, warm, tender, and swollen, or you get sores that break open
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will care for my skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if my infected area is warm, red, tender, swollen, or has sores that break open.
Where can I learn more?
American Family Physician ‚
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0701/p163.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ringworm/Pages/Symptoms.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚