Treatments for Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp, a fungal infection most common in children 1 to 10 years old, but it can infect adults. Those infected may develop a red, itchy, pustular rash and tiny black spots or yellow greasy scales on their scalp. After time, the hair becomes brittle and breaks off.

Factors

• Tinea capitis is spread by contact with an infected person's hair or that person's belongings such as combs, hairbrushes and clothing. It can also spread from infected domestic animals (cats and dogs) to people through direct contact.

Oral Medications

• According to the textbook Pediatric Nursing, treatment is with grisofulvan, an antifungal drug, for up to eight weeks or for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear. If you are sensitive to grisofulvan, you may receive terbinafine or itraconazole.

Topical Treatment

• According to the National Institutes of Health and the textbook Pediatric Nursing, medicated shampoos (selenium sulfide or ketoconazole) used two to three times weekly for 10 minutes helps to stop the spread of the fungus.

Prevention/Solution

• Wash your hair at least two to three times weekly and more frequently if you engage in activities, such as sports, that cause your hair to be damp from perspiration, as fungus grows in warm moist areas.

Considerations

• If you are infected with tinea capitis, the other members of your family and your family's pets should be examined for similar lesions and also treated if necessary, as tinea is contagious.

Warning

• You should never share combs, brushes, caps, or hats with other people.