Fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis)
Fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis)
A fungal infection of the scalp affects the scalp itself and the skin just around it. You may hear it called by its medical name, tinea capitis, or by its common name, scalp ringworm.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing fungal scalp infection
If you need to speak to your GP practice, they’ll examine your skin and ask about your symptoms.
It’s helpful to know what fungus is causing your infection so that you can get the most suitable treatment. This means your doctor may also take a small scrape of your skin to test in a laboratory.
You may be given an antifungal medication before you receive your test results. If the tests show that a different antifungal medication would work better, you’ll be prescribed that instead.
Treatment
Talk to your local pharmacist if you notice signs of a fungal scalp infection. A pharmacist can guide you on how to manage your symptoms, tell you which medicine is likely to help, and let you know if you should also see your GP for further care.
Treating a fungal scalp infection
A fungal scalp infection, known medically as tinea capitis, is usually treated with a combination of antifungal tablets and antifungal shampoo. There are 2 main types of antifungal tablet commonly used: terbinafine and griseofulvin. Which one your doctor recommends depends on the exact type of fungus causing your infection.
About antifungal shampoo
Antifungal shampoo on its own will not cure the infection, but it plays an important supporting role. It helps stop the infection from spreading to others and can help your scalp heal a bit faster alongside the tablets. You can get antifungal shampoo from your pharmacist or your GP practice. For the best results, use it twice a week during the first 2 weeks of your treatment. It is worth knowing that shaving the head does not lower your risk of infection or help you recover any faster, so there is no need to do this.
Who is most likely to get a fungal scalp infection?
This condition is seen most often in children.
How does a fungal scalp infection spread?
Adults can sometimes carry a fungal scalp infection without showing any symptoms at all. This happens because most adults have built up some natural resistance to the infection over the years. Even without symptoms, though, you can still pass the infection on to a child, who may then develop visible signs of it.
The infection can spread through contact with something an infected person has used, such as a hat, comb, or hairbrush, or through direct contact with an infected person, an infected animal, or, less commonly, contaminated soil. If someone in your household has a fungal scalp infection, they do not need to stay home. Once treatment has started, they can safely return to work or school.
Prevention
To help stop a fungal scalp infection from spreading to others, a few simple habits make a real difference.
Do
- Start treatment for a fungal scalp infection as soon as you notice it
- Check yourself for signs of infection if you have been close to someone who has it
- Clean combs, hairbrushes and hair accessories with bleach, or simply replace them, since the fungus can survive on these items
- Wash all bedding, towels and caps or hats regularly
Don't
- Don't share personal items such as a hairbrush, comb, cap, pillowcase or helmet with others
- Don't go to the hairdresser or barber until the infection has fully cleared up