Fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis)

A fungal scalp infection is an infection of the scalp and the skin around it. Doctors call it tinea capitis, and many people know it as scalp ringworm.

A fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis) can cause these symptoms:

• small patches of scaly skin on the scalp, which may be sore
• patchy hair loss
• an itchy scalp

In more severe cases, you may have:

• small, pus-filled sores on the scalp
• crusting on the scalp
• bald patches (if your hair is affected)

In very severe cases, a large inflamed sore called a kerion may form on your scalp. It can ooze pus. You may also have a fever and swollen lymph glands.

Talk to a pharmacist about treatment for a fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis). A pharmacist can:

• give you advice on how to treat your symptoms
• suggest which medicine to take
• tell you whether you need to see a doctor about your symptoms

If you go to a doctor about a fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis), the doctor will look at your skin and ask about your symptoms.

It helps to know which fungus is causing the infection, because then you can get the most suitable treatment. So your doctor may also take a small scrape of your skin and send it to a laboratory for testing.

You may be given an antifungal medicine before the test results come back. If the tests show that a different antifungal medicine would work better, you'll be prescribed that one instead.

Tinea capitis, the fungal infection of the scalp, is usually treated with antifungal tablets and a medicated shampoo.

There are 2 main types of antifungal tablet:

• terbinafine
• griseofulvin

Which one you're given depends on the type of fungi causing the infection.

Antifungal shampoo can't cure a fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis), but it can help stop the infection spreading to other people. It may also speed up recovery.

You can get antifungal shampoo from a pharmacy or from your doctor. Ideally, use it twice a week during the first 2 weeks of treatment.

There's no evidence that shaving the head lowers the risk of infection or makes recovery quicker.

Fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis) is most common in children.

As an adult, you can carry a fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis) and have no symptoms at all. By the time you reach adulthood, your body has usually built up protection against the infection.

If you're carrying a fungal infection without knowing it, you can pass it on to a child, and the child may then develop symptoms.

A fungal scalp infection can spread through contact with an infected:

• object, like a hat, comb or hairbrush
• person
• animal
• soil (though this is less common)

If someone in your family has a fungal infection, they can go to work or school once they've started treatment.

There are a few steps you can take to stop a fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis) from spreading.

• Get treatment for a fungal scalp infection (tinea capitis) as soon as you can
• If you've been in contact with someone who has a fungal scalp infection, check yourself for signs of infection
• Clean combs, hairbrushes and hair accessories with bleach, or buy new ones, because the fungus can live in these items
• Wash all bedding, towels and hats regularly

• do not share personal items like a hairbrush, comb, hat, pillowcase or helmet with other people
• do not go to the hairdresser or barber until the tinea capitis (fungal scalp infection) has cleared up