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What Are the Treatments for Hair Loss Due to Ringworm?

by Brad McHargue

Overview

Ringworm of the scalp, also known as tinea capitis, is a contagious fungal infection caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte. Most common in children between the ages of 3 and 7, it can result in bald patches due to the infection causing hair to break off and subsequent scarring. Treating hair loss caused by tinea capitis is through treatment of the infection itself.

Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum gypseum
Symptoms

In addition to hair loss due to broken hair, symptoms commonly associated with tinea capitis include itchiness and red, swollen and pus-filled lesions (kerion) on the scalp. Black dots, indicating areas where the hair has broken off, may appear on the scalp . Hair may become crusty and matted down in the area of infection (favus). In some instances of tinea capitis, the lymph nodes at the back and sides of the neck may become swollen. If left untreated, kerion and favus may lead to scarring and permanent baldness. As such, the best way to prevent long-term baldness is to treat the infection itself through medication.

Medical Treatment

Treating bald patches on the scalp that arise from ringworm of the scalp consists of treating the infection itself. The primary method of treatment for tinea capitis is the antifungal medication griseofulvin, taken orally for a minimum of six weeks. As the medication only stops the division of the fungal cells as opposed to killing them, long-term treatment is recommended. Possible side effects include headaches, problems associated with the liver, menstrual cycle and urination, and stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Women who are pregnant should not take the medication due to the possibility of fetal malformation, while men should wait six months to father children due to the potential for damaged sperm cells. Other possible medications include terbinafine, itraconazole or fluconazole, though these are typically not as effective as griseofulvin.
Lifestyle Treatment and Prevention

Since preventing and treating short- and long-term baldness associated with tinea capitis is found only through successful treatment of the condition, the best way to "treat" the hair loss at home is through proper care of the hair using medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. These help lower the risk of spreading the infection and keep the hair healthy and strong. For aesthetic purposes, infected children and adults may want to wear loose-fitting hats to cover up the bald patches without applying extra pressure to the area of infection. Early detection and treatment will help lower the chances of the infection causing permanent scarring and hair loss, as well as limit the time spent covering up the bald spots. Prevention involves keeping the hair and scalp healthy through regular washings, and avoiding interaction with infected individuals. Hats, clothes and combs should never be shared, as this could increase the risk of infection.