Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)

Tinea capitis may affect all or part of your scalp, and symptoms range from mild to severe. 

Symptoms of tinea capitis may include:

• itching

• painful or tender areas on your scalp 

• dry flaky skin (similar to dandruff) 

• brittle, fragile hair or broken hairs 

• bald patches on your scalp due to hair loss

• swollen lymph nodes

• low-grade fever 

• pustules, a yellow crust on the scalp, and matted hair (in severe cases)

Tinea capitis is caused by a type of fungus that invades the hair follicle and sometimes the hair shaft. It’s highly contagious, meaning it can spread easily from person to person, a contaminated object, or an infected animal.

Tinea capitis can spread through:

• skin-to-skin contact with an infected person

• petting or grooming an infected animal

• contact with infected soil 

• touching infected objects such as hairbrushes, towels, and bedding

At your consultation, your dermatologist will ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a thorough examination of your scalp. 

Your consultant can usually diagnose tinea capitis based on your symptoms and a close examination of your scalp. 

In some cases, they may take a scraping of your scalp or some plucked hair to examine under a microscope to confirm your diagnosis.

These samples may also be tested in a laboratory to determine the type of fungus so the correct treatment can be prescribed.

There are several things you can do to prevent or reduce your risk of tinea capitis.

These include: 

• don’t share personal items that come into contact with your scalp, such as hats, hairbrushes, combs, pillows and headbands 

• keep your child’s scalp clean and dry

• avoid contact with people with tinea capitis while they have the infection 

• wash pillows, sheets, and towels frequently on a hot wash 

• wash your hands after contact with pets 

• have pets regularly checked for ringworm

Tinea capitis is usually treatable and not serious, but in rare cases, untreated tinea capitis can lead to complications, including: 

• kerion –  severe tinea capitis can lead to a kerion, a large, boggy, and painful swelling that may ooze pus and can lead to permanent scarring and hair loss 

• favus –the most severe stage of tinea capitis is called favus, and is where a thick, yellow crust forms on the scalp. This can lead to permanent damage 

• secondary bacterial infection 

• emotional distress – pain, itching, changes to your appearance, social stigma, and isolation can cause emotional issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression

Over-the-counter fungal treatments aren’t usually effective in treating tinea capitis, and the infection is treated with prescription antifungal tablets. You’ll need to take your medication every day for at least 6 weeks. You must follow your dermatologist’s instructions on how to take your medication and complete your course of treatment.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.