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. 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
What are the symptoms of scalp ringworm?
Symptoms include:
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A dry, scaly rash on your head that may itch
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A patch of hair loss (alopecia)
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Sometimes, flaking of your scalp that looks like dandruff
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Sometimes, a painful swollen patch on the scalp that may blister or ooze pus (kerion)
