Ringworm of the scalp is caused by a fungal infection. Contrary to its English name (ringworm), it is not actually a worm. These are fungi that attack you when you come into contact with infected surfaces, animals or people. This makes your scalp itchy, flaky easily, and the appearance of round patches that don't grow hair. This condition is highly contagious. However, you can get rid of it with medication.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Treating Ringworm on the Scalp
Step 1. Check for visible symptoms
Go to the doctor for a definite diagnosis if you experience the following symptoms:
- The scalp has round patches that do not grow hair or the hair in the area is broken near the hair follicles. If you have black hair, the broken hairs that are still attached to your scalp will look like black dots. Over time, these dots will gradually increase in size.
- The infected area may be red or gray and shed flakes. The area can be painful, especially to the touch.
- Your hair falls out easily.
- In some people, the scalp can become inflamed, ooze pus, and form a yellow crust. Those who have this complication may also experience fever or enlarged lymph nodes.
Step 2. Wash your hair with an antifungal shampoo
Realize that you can't cure ringworm with just an antifungal shampoo. You still have to take antifungal medication from your doctor. But you can get better faster because this shampoo will prevent the fungus from spreading. You can get antifungal shampoo at the drug store with or without a prescription, depending on the type and strength of the shampoo you want to buy.
- Commonly used shampoos contain ketoconazole or selenium sulfide.
- Use this shampoo twice a week for the first few weeks of treatment, or as directed by your doctor or the directions on the package.
- Consult a doctor first before using this shampoo on children or pregnant women.
- Don't shave your head. You can't get rid of the infection by shaving your hair, because the fungus is also on the scalp. In addition, you can be embarrassed if the ringworm patches are even more obvious.
Step 3. Take antifungal medication
You can get this medicine with a doctor's prescription. Consult with your doctor first if you want to use it on pregnant women and children. These prescription medications can kill mold, but have side effects that you should consider:
- Terbafine (Lamisil) - This medication is usually taken daily in pill form for about four weeks and is usually effective. This drug has brief side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, rash, upset stomach, or changes in the sense of taste. If you experience side effects, contact your doctor. If you have liver disease or lupus, you may not take this drug.
- Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-Peg) - This spray is used daily for up to a maximum of 10 weeks. This drug is not sold in the US but can be obtained easily in the UK. Side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, nausea and abdominal pain. Both men and women should use this medicine with caution because it can cause defects in the baby if the mother uses this medicine while she is pregnant, if the mother uses this medicine shortly before becoming pregnant, or if the father uses the medicine within six months of the baby being born. in the womb. Griseofulvin may reduce the effectiveness of progestogens and combined birth control pills. People taking this medicine should use a barrier method of contraception such as condoms. This drug should also not be used by breastfeeding women and people with liver disease or lupus. Do not drive and know that you will be more sensitive to alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
- Itraconazole - This drug is taken in pill form for approximately one to two weeks. This can cause side effects such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and headache. This medicine should not be taken by children, the elderly, and people with liver disease.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Spread and Avoiding Re-infection
Step 1. Ask your veterinarian to examine your farm animals and pets
If your animal's hair is falling out in several parts of its body, it could be that the animal is the source of this disease infection. Since you can catch it when petting, handling or caring for the animal, remember to always wash your hands afterward. Animals that are usually the source of transmission of this disease to humans include:
- Dog
- Cat
- Horse
- Cow
- Goat
- Pig
Step 2. Do not touch the infected area
The fungus can spread through skin-to-skin contact. People who have a very high risk of contracting this disease include:
- People who have ringworm infection elsewhere on the body, such as athlete's foot or jock itch (ringworm that attacks the groin area). When you scratch the infected area and then scratch your head, you can transfer the fungus to your scalp.
- Salon workers, barbers and hairdressers, because they are always in contact with the hair of many people.
- PAUD teachers and daycare workers who come into contact with many children.
- People who have a family member or sex partner who is infected with this disease.
Step 3. Perform disinfection of contaminated objects
Items contaminated with mold must be cleaned of germs or replaced with new ones. Items that can transfer mushrooms easily include:
- Hairbrush, comb, or other styling tool. Soak the items for an hour in a solution made by mixing 1 part bleach with 3 parts water.
- Towels, sheets, exercise mats and clothes. When washing these items, add bleach or disinfectant to your washing water.
