• Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses

    Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.

    26. My child has ringworm of his scalp - Top

    0: My child has ringworm of his scalp and I have used the lotion to treat this but it will not get better; what should I do?

    A: Ringworm is a fungal infection that can occur on any skin surface. Generally an antifungal treatment can clear it up. Fungal infections of the scalp are different because of the fungal infections of the hair follicles. This hair follicle infection will not respond to topical antifungal treatment. Therefore, fungal infections of the scalp require an oral antifungal treatment and generally require 6 weeks of treatment.

    My advice to you is first, see the doctor to make certain that the area on your son's scalp is a fungal infection and if it is, to get a full six-week treatment with an oral anti-fungal medicine.

    - Updated: March 24, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP