Tinea capitis (fungal scalp) infections can have crusts, scale, and cause hair loss. Tinea capitis (a fungal scalp infection) typically has round areas of hair loss with scaling and redness of the scalp. This image displays widespread areas of tinea capitis. Tinea capitis (ringworm) can cause thick, white, scaly areas within the scalp. This image displays round, scaly, slightly elevated areas on the scalp typical of tinea capitis.
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Ringworm, Scalp (Tinea Capitis)  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Ringworm, Scalp (Tinea Capitis): Tinea capitis (fungal scalp) infections can have crusts, scale, and cause hair loss. Divider line
Tinea capitis (fungal scalp) infections can have crusts, scale, and cause hair loss.
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Self-Care Guidelines
There are no effective self-care measures to treat scalp ringworm.

To prevent scalp ringworm:
  • Have your child avoid close contact with infected people and pets.
  • Teach your children about the dangers of sharing combs, brushes, hats, and hair accessories with friends.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your child's doctor or a dermatologist if your child has hair loss or itchy, scaly spots on the scalp.

If a close contact of your child (sibling or classmate) is diagnosed with scalp ringworm, make sure you examine your child's scalp, looking for scaly spots. If you are suspicious about an area, take the child to see a doctor for an examination.

If your child is diagnosed with scalp ringworm, have any household pets evaluated by a veterinarian to make sure that they do not also have a dermatophyte infection. If the veterinarian discovers an infection, be sure to have the animal treated.
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008