Hair Ringworm

Hair ringworm is caused by a fungus called tinea capitis and not by an actual worm. Usual ways of contracting ringworm are through hats, pillows, combs, pets, and any place where the head touches where other people place their heads such as headphones at the library or the headrest on a plane. The fungus finds small openings on the scalp and feeds off of the keratin (a protein on the scalp)..

Hair ringworm causes the scalp to turn red and irritated and get dry and scaly, similar to the symptoms of severe dandruff. Your hair will typically come out in round bald patches, sometimes small black dots remain, otherwise the area looks red and swollen. Some kinds of ringworm attack the shafts of the hair causing the hair to become weak and break off right at the scalp.

Doctors can ordinarily diagnose hair ringworm with a visual inspection. Doctors usually suggest oral anti fungal medications to treat the ringworm. Griseofulvin is the most common prescription; it is taken daily for one to two months or until a lab sample reveals that the ringworm is eliminated.

Once your hair ringworm is eliminated, there are significant preventative steps you will want to take. You will want to get rid of old combs, pillows and other objects that touch the head like hats or headphones. Removable headrests that are washable are a good idea for the furniture in the house. And remember, a person can carry the fungus without being affected by ringworm, so encourage everyone you live with to take preventative measures.

Stay away from sharing hairbrushes, hats and pillows with other people. Do not lean the head on public headrests, for example on the bus, until you cover or clean the headrest. Animals are common carries of ringworm so do not touch your face or hair after petting an animal and wash your hands as soon as you are able.

Hair ringworm is a very irritating and discomforting condition. Visiting your health care provider so that you can get proper prescriptions is your best weapon for beating ringworm. Always be cautious of what your scalp comes into contact with each day will help you avoid ringworm by avoiding contact with the common places that ringworm likes to hang out.

You can understand further information about hair ringworm and further fungal infections.