Ringworm Overview of Ringworm (Tinea) Ringworm is a common fungal infection of your skin or nails. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. But the rash it causes can be ring-shaped. Therefore the infection has come to be called ringworm... read more is a common fungal infection of your skin or nails. Ringworm has nothing to do with worms. But the rash it causes can be ring-shaped. Therefore the infection has come to be called ringworm. Doctors call these infections "tinea."
What is scalp ringworm?
Scalp ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a scaly rash or patch of hair loss on the scalp.
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Scalp ringworm is most common in children
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It spreads easily from person to person
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It can cause a scalp rash, bald spots, and rarely a painful swelling that leaks pus
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Treatment includes antifungal medicine taken by mouth and used in a scalp cream and special shampoo
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It can take a long time to get rid of scalp ringworm
