Ringworm of the Scalp

Itchy. Red. Flaking. These words are commonly used to describe the scalp of a person with tinea capitis—ringworm of the scalp.

Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious fungal infection that mostly affects children, although adults are not immune. Tinea capitis is a common condition. Adults often act as asymptomatic carriers, unknowingly infecting and re-infecting children with whom they come in contact.

Though it's name suggests otherwise, ringworm is not a worm. Instead, ringworm—whether of the scalp, nails or skin—is caused by fungi, plants that survive by eating plant or animal matter. The fungi that cause ringworm feed on keratin, a fibrous protein that can be found in the outer layer of skin and in hair and nails. The most common cause for tinea capitis in the United States is the fungus Trichophyton tonsurans.

The infection spreads through close human contact, as well as from contact with inanimate objects such as combs and brushes, barrettes, bed linens, stuffed animals, telephones, wrestling mats and the backs of theater seats.

Recognizing ringworm of the scalp can be difficult because the symptoms—itching, redness and flaking — often mimic other scalp conditions. However, if untreated, tinea capitis can lead to hair loss and scarring.

Early recognition and treatment are essential both to slowing the spread of infection and to preventing re-infection. Since clinical signs of the infection are subtle, fungal cultures are crucial to ensure accurate diagnosis and to determine the necessary duration of treatment.

Using medicated shampoos, conditioners or creams is not effective in eradicating tinea capitis, as the organism lives in the hair shaft. Griseofulvin, an orally active antifungal agent derived from the mold Penicillium, has been the standard of treatment for tinea capitis for nearly 50 years.

One form of griseofulvin, available in a scored tablet for children, is GRIFULVIN V^® (griseofulvin) microsize Tablets 500 mg. When side effects occur, they are most commonly of the hypersensitivity type, such as skin rashes and hives.

Taking the full course of medication is crucial to treating tinea capitis. Whether or not the symptoms have improved, the medication should be taken as directed until a laboratory culture confirms that the infection has been removed.

Proper treatment of a fungal infection depends on the correct diagnosis, which makes going to a physician so important. Before treating what you think may be ringworm of the scalp or some other fungal infection, check with your doctor, who can diagnose the condition and prescribe the correct course of treatment. Want more information about tinea capitis? Check out 10 Myths about Tinea Capitis or Ringworm FAQs.