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I have a Grifulvin V® Prescription
Ringworm FAQs
The following are Frequently Asked Questions about ringworm.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm, in its many variations, is a fungal infection. It is not a worm. The name, which dates back to the 15th century, confuses a lot of people. There are many kinds of ringworm infections - including those that affect the scalp and skin-and many types of fungi that may cause it.
Is it a new infection?
No. Ringworm is one of the earliest human infections documented in medical literature.
What causes it?
Ringworm can be caused by a variety of fungi that belong to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum or Epidermophyton. The chief organism responsible for the most recent spread of tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp is Trichophyton tonsurans.
Who's at risk for tinea capitis?
Children are at highest risk, with the average patient being between 3 and 9 years old. Outbreaks have been noted in schools and day care centers, and frequently among high school-age athletes, particularly wrestlers
How is ringworm spread?
Ringworm is spread through close human contact, as well as from inanimate objects, such as combs and brushes, barrettes, bed linens, stuffed animals, toys, telephones, lockers, wrestling mats and theater seat backs.
Can adults get ringworm of the scalp?
Yes. Although tinea capitis occurs primarily in children, adults of all ages can be infected.
What are the symptoms of tinea capitis?
The most common symptoms are itching, dandruff and, in later stages, hair loss. Because tinea capitis often mimics other scalp conditions, it may go undetected and undiagnosed.
How is it diagnosed?
Since clinical signs of the infection are subtle, fungal cultures are crucial to ensure accurate diagnosis of tinea capitis and to determine the necessary duration of treatment. The most common means of obtaining a culture for microscopic examination — particularly for young children — is the "toothbrush technique." In this method, the bristles of a clean, individually wrapped toothbrush are rubbed into the patient's scalp in several areas and the resulting specimen is then transferred for culture and examination. In some cases, hair may be plucked and sent for culture.
Who should be screened for tinea capitis?
Many school nurses begin each academic year with schoolwide scalp screenings. A follow up screening takes place after the spring school vacation. If a child is diagnosed with ringworm of the scalp, the child's physician should screen his or her close contacts including family members, classmates, playmates, busmates and contacts in physical education or competitive sports. Screening is critical because of the highly contagious nature of the infection, and because early detection and treatment are key to slowing the spread of infection and to preventing re-infection.
How is tinea capitis treated?
The only oral medication currently indicated for the treatment of tinea capitis is griseofulvin. Griseofulvin has been the standard of treatment for the condition for nearly 50 years. One form of griseofulvin, is GRIFULVIN V® (griseofulvin) microsize . When side effects occur they are most commonly of the hypersensitivity type, such as skin rashes and hives. Adjunctive therapies, such as a shampoo containing an antifungal agent, may be prescribed along with systemic therapy. However, since topical treatments do not penetrate the hair shaft, they cannot eradicate the fungus when used alone.
How long must patients be treated?
Patients with ringworm of the scalp are usually treated daily with oral medication for four to six weeks and, in some cases, longer courses of treatment may be required. The full course of treatment must be completed, without regard to whether symptoms have improved, until a laboratory culture confirms that the infection has been successfully eradicated.
Can children with ringworm attend school?
It is generally believed that children with ringworm need not be kept out of school or other social settings once therapy has been started.
What can be done to help prevent re-infection?
Combs and brushes that the child has used should be washed with warm sudsy water, and children — infected or not — should be advised against sharing combs and brushes and headgear. Fabric items, including clothing and sheets, should be washed with detergent in hot water. In the classroom the backs of chairs should be scrubbed with warm water and detergent, and objects that have come in contact with children's heads, such as helmets, headsets/ earphones, napping and gym-mats, should be cleaned.