Does your scalp have round scaly bald spots? Are they itchy sometimes? A likely cause for this is tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is a fungus infection that invades the skin of your scalp. And scalp ringworm is another name used to reference this fungal skin infection.
Tinea capitis is marked by a round itchy scaly spot with hair stubble because the infection causes your hair to break off and these areas on your head to become bald. The invading pathogen that causes patchy baldness is generally referred to as a dermatophyte.
Scalp ringworm most frequently causes balding to the heads of children, yet anyone can be spotted with it. Tinea capitis is contagious and can be spread via contact with infected people and animals (uncommon), or articles contaminated by this mold type fungus.
Scalp ringworm may cause round itchy bald spots to parts or all of your scalp. In some cases, kerions form causing your scaly sores to ooze with pus. Afterward, you could be left with a scar and your bald spot never regrowing hair.
Tinea capitis can bore deep into your hair follicles to a point where topical fungal treatment is ineffective. Therefore, getting rid of your scalp ringworm requires taking a prescription drug. Oral antifungal medications commonly used to treat it are only available through your health care provider. And the course of this treatment may take a month or two.
Unfortunately, scalp ringworm can be tenacious and lesions can even come back after successful treatment. Thankfully, many find it seems to subside on its own once puberty is reached.
