Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection and is not caused by worms, as you might think. It is a fungus that can infect you when you touch a surface, a person or an already sick animal. It causes itchy, flaky, circular patches of alopecia and is very contagious. However, you can get rid of it with the right treatments. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating Ringworm of the Scalp
Step 1. Check for visible symptoms
If you notice the following signs, see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis:
- Circular areas of alopecia or where the hair is broken near the hair follicle. If you have brown hair, broken hair appears as small dark dots on the scalp; over time these areas become larger.
- The infected area may be red, gray and flaky. These areas can be painful, especially to the touch.
- Hair falls out easily.
- In some people, the scalp appears inflamed, oozes pus, and is covered with yellow crusts. People with this complex clinical picture also have a fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Step 2. Wash your hair with an antifungal shampoo
Remember that this remedy alone cannot solve the problem; you need an antifungal therapy prescribed by your doctor. However, the cleanser reduces the spread of the infection and helps heal faster. Depending on the type and concentration of the active ingredient, the shampoo may be available with or without a prescription.
- Popular antifungal cleaners contain selenium disulfide and ketoconazole.
- Use these products twice a week during the first few weeks of treatment, unless your doctor or leaflet instructions indicate a different dosage.
- Before using these cleansers on babies, ask your pediatrician or gynecologist for advice if you are pregnant.
- Don't shave your head. Since the fungus is present on the scalp, this solution is not of any help. It may even make your embarrassment worse by making the infection more visible.
Step 3. Take antifungal medicines
Your doctor will prescribe this type of medication; however, do not give them to a child and do not take them if you are pregnant without first consulting a pediatrician or gynecologist. These prescription drugs kill the fungus, but have side effects that need to be considered:
- Terbinafine: This active ingredient is typically taken once a day for four weeks in pill form. It is usually effective, but has some short-lived side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash and altered taste. Call your doctor if you show these unpleasant reactions. If you have liver disease or lupus, this drug will probably not be prescribed for you.
- Griseofulvin: it is a spray product that is taken every day for up to 10 weeks. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and stomach pain. Both women and men need to be very careful with this drug, as it can cause birth defects in the fetus if the mother takes it during pregnancy, shortly before becoming pregnant, or if the father took it within six months of intercourse. sexuality that allowed conception. Griseofulvin may reduce the effectiveness of progesterone and combined contraceptive pills. Women taking this active ingredient should rely on a barrier method of contraception such as a condom. Mothers who are breastfeeding and people with liver disease or lupus cannot take this medicine. Do not drive and remember that the effects of alcohol are stronger when you are on griseofulvin therapy.
- Itraconazole: This is a pill that should be taken for about one or two weeks. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and stomach pain. Children, the elderly and people with liver disease should not be treated with this antifungal.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing the Spread of Infection and Avoiding Recurrence
Step 1. Have your pets and farm animals undergo veterinary checks
If you have animals with areas of alopecia on their bodies, remember that they could be the cause of your infection. You can get infected by simply stroking them, touching them, taking care of their fur, so washing your hands after these activities is always a wise idea. Here are the animals that most commonly infect humans:
- Dogs;
- Cats;
- Horses;
- Cows;
- Goats;
- Pigs.
Step 2. Do not touch infected areas
The fungus spreads through direct contact with the skin. High-risk people are:
- Those who have already suffered from this mycosis in other parts of the body, for example in the feet (athlete's foot) or in the groin. If you scratch the infected areas and then touch your head, you transfer the fungus to your scalp.
- Hairdressers, barbers and hairdressers because they come into contact with the hair of many people.
- School nurses and those who work in kindergartens in close contact with many children.
- Individuals with an infected family member or sexual partner.
Step 3. Disinfect contaminated items
Objects that could carry the infection should be discarded or disinfected. Here are some suggestions:
- Hairbrushes, combs or other styling tools. Soak them in a 3: 1 solution of water and bleach for about an hour.
- Towels, sheets, yoga or gymnastics mats and clothes. When you wash them, add some bleach or disinfectant to the laundry water.
