Ringworm on the scalp?

Is it possible to have ringworm on the scalp? My son who is a teenager has lost a patch of hair near the bottom of his hairline by his neck. A friend thought it was ringworm but no signs of a ring or redness.Is there treatment?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the description of the symptoms,it looks like tinea capitis or ringworm scalp.It is a very common fungal infection among children and teenagers throughout the world. The disease is considered to be a form of superficial mycosis or dermatophytosis.

Fungal spores can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, fallen infected hairs, or fomites, which are contaminated objects. The typical signs of scalp ringworm infection are reddening, crusting, and scaling of the scalp. Intense itching usually occurs as well. The specific pattern depends on the infecting organisms.Diagnosed by wood lamp examination,microscopic examination of the skin scrapings and culture of the scalp scrapings.

Treatment includes washing ths scalp with shampoo with selenium sulfide (2.5%) or zinc pyrithione (1-2%) used 2-3 times weekly at home. Oral steroids can also be added for severe inflammatory types of scalp ringworm.

For more information,pls log on to the following website: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ringworm_on_scalp/article_em.htm

Also consult a dermatologist and get other conditions causing similar symptoms like alopecia aereata,hormonal imbalance(overproduction of dihydrotestosterone and thyroid hormones irregularities),malnutrition and sebum plugs on skin ruled out.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your son is doing and if you have any additional queries.