ringworm

My daughter has ringworm of the scalp and is on a two month medication.  Since taking this medication a week and a half ago and using the Nizoral shampoo it seems like it is getting worse.  Her hair is not falling out but her scalp is very bumpy and scaly.  She cries when I touch her head and see that her lymph nodes have become swollen.  She is five.  Have an hmo and of course the pediatric doc is the only one seeing her.  Should I demand to see a dermatologist?  What can I do to make thise go away?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Scalp ringworm or tinea capitis is a common mild infection of the scalp and hair that appears as scaly spots and patches of broken hair on the head. This is caused by a fungus and  it is most commonly seen in children.

To confirm the diagnosis of scalp ringworm, a skin scraping of the lesionmay be obtained and examined under a microscope. Scalp ringworm is treated with oral antifungal medicines because the fungus invades deep into the hair follicle, where topical creams and lotions cannot penetrate. Scalp ringworm usually requires at least 6–8 weeks of treatment with oral antifungal pills or syrup. A medicated shampoo may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of spreading the scalp ringworm to someone else. If it persists, it would be best to see a dermatologist for further evaluation and management.

Take care and regards.

[MamaOrff]

I just took my son to see a Dr. for his ringworm of the scalp, she said 3 months of Nizoral and it would go away.  Was she totally misinformed or is it possible to rid a child of the condition with the shampoo alone?  

Thanks from a concerned mom.  I need to know if we need to start the oral (I have two children with the tinea.)

[cece310]

I think the oral would be better.  I took my daughter back to the doctor and she gave her Predisone for five days to stop the itching and swelling and it actually worked.  I washed her hair again and she said it no longer hurt.  I will continue to give her the other meds and wash her hair with the Nizoral until all of it is gone.

[cece310]

Sorry comment meant for MamaOrff