Tinea Capitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Tinea (TIN-ee-ah) capitis is also called ringworm of the scalp or head. It is an infection of the scalp (skin of the head under your hair). Ringworm is common among school-age children. Even with treatment, tinea capitis may take weeks and sometimes months to go away. It is possible to get ringworm more than once. Ringworm may cause permanent scarring and hair loss.

What causes scalp ringworm? Ringworm is not caused by worms. It is caused by a germ called fungus. It is spread by close contact with an infected person or pet. Ways to spread scalp ringworm are as follows:

• Sharing towels, hairbrushes, combs, barrettes, and hats with an infected person.
  
  
• Touching pets that are infected.
  
  
• Touching soil (dirt) that contains the fungus, but this is not common.

What are the signs and symptoms of scalp ringworm? Your head may have patches of hair loss and raised, scaly skin. Your scalp may also itch. The infected area may have black dots from broken hairs and small, round bumps.

How is scalp ringworm diagnosed? Your caregiver may know that you have ringworm just by looking at your scalp. Your caregiver may also scrape off a small amount of your skin with a tiny blade. A special test done with the skin scraping can help your caregiver know if you have ringworm.

How is scalp ringworm treated?

• Do not scratch your scalp. This may cause your ringworm sores to become infected. Scratching may also cause the ringworm to spread to other areas of your scalp.
  
  
• Use ringworm medicine. Your caregiver will give you medicine to take by mouth to get rid of your ringworm. Take your medicine as directed by your caregiver. Do not stop taking your ringworm medicine, even if your scalp looks better.
  
  
• Wash your hair with fungus-killing shampoo. Ask your caregiver which type of shampoo to use. Wash your hair every day with this special shampoo. If your child has ringworm, he can go to school once he is using ringworm medicine and shampoo regularly. It will take some time for your hair to grow back and skin to heal.
  
  
• Stay away from people or pets that are infected with ringworm. Infected pets may have a patch of fur missing. If you have an infected pet, take your pet to a veterinarian (pet doctor) for treatment. Without treatment, your pet can spread ringworm to you and others again.

How can I keep from getting or spreading scalp ringworm?

• Wash all items that have come into contact with your infected scalp. Wash all towels, clothes, and bedding in the washer using the hot cycle and your regular laundry soap. Wash brushes and combs, barrettes, and hats in hot, soapy water. Do not share towels, brushes, combs, or hair accessories with others.
  
  
• Check the scalps of others. Tinea capitis is very contagious (easily spread to others). It can spread quickly in households and schools. Check the scalps of close friends and everyone in your household for signs of ringworm. They should go to a caregiver for treatment if you think they have ringworm. Also be sure to check your pets for patches of missing fur.
  
  
• Keep your skin, hair, and nails clean and dry. Shower or bathe every day. Wash your hands often.
  
  
• Tell the daycare center or school about your child's ringworm. Schools and daycare centers will need to disinfect (clean) equipment, mats, and toys. They may need to warn other parents that ringworm has been reported. This may help decrease the chance of others becoming infected with ringworm. Telling others is one of the best ways to help stop spreading ringworm.

Call your caregiver if:

• The ringworm patch continues to spread after seven days of treatment.
  
  
• The area becomes red, warm, tender, and swollen beyond the patch.
  
  
• You get shaking chills or a temperature over ____.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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