What should I do if my scalp ringworm clears up but then comes back?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 03, 2025
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Tinea capitis keeps recurring because it is difficult to cure and tends to relapse. To prevent this condition from occurring again, the following suggestions are offered. First, items that are in close contact such as contaminated clothing, hats, pillows, and bedding should be disinfected by boiling or sun exposure. Additionally, areas affected by fungal infections should be disinfected and sterilized. Lastly, patients with tinea capitis should receive antifungal treatment.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Early symptoms of baby's scalp ringworm

Baby tinea capitis is a disease caused by fungal infection. The initial signs are an increase in dandruff and hair that breaks easily. Generally, there are different types based on these symptoms. However, with the gradual improvement of sanitary conditions, the incidence of tinea capitis is now very low and not commonly seen in clinical settings. If tinea capitis occurs, treatment should follow the principles of shaving the head, washing the hair, applying medication, disinfecting, and taking medication. Since fungi thrive in poor sanitary conditions, it is necessary to shave the child's hair and clean and disinfect the scalp, while also taking some antifungal medications. With these measures, the treatment of tinea capitis can achieve good results.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Tinea Capitis Clinical Symptoms

Tinea capitis varies in clinical symptoms depending on its classification. If it is yellow tinea, it presents as yellow crusts on the scalp, with ulcers or erosion visible beneath the crusts. If it is white tinea, white scaly patches can be seen, generally with clear boundaries that may merge. If it is black dot tinea, hair breaking off shortly after emerging from the scalp appears as small black dots. If it is pustular tinea, the scalp shows redness and swelling with pus formation.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Symptoms of tinea capitis

The symptoms of tinea capitis vary according to the type. Tinea capitis is classified into types such as yellow tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and dragon tinea. Yellow tinea is characterized by the presence of yellow, scabby patches on the scalp with hair growing through the middle. Lifting these crusts reveals underlying erosion or ulcers. White tinea primarily presents as white, scaly patches, while black tinea appears similar to white tinea but features small black and white dots on the hair and scalp. Finally, dragon tinea is associated with swollen, boil-like elevations.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is shaving the head a good treatment for tinea capitis?

Shaving the head completely is very beneficial for the treatment of scalp ringworm. After shaving, the scalp is exposed, making it more effective to apply ointment directly on it. Besides, shaving the head facilitates easier scalp cleaning, maintaining dryness and hygiene. For treating scalp ringworm, apart from shaving the head, it is also recommended to take oral antifungal medications and supplement the diet with vitamin-rich foods.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What causes tinea capitis?

The fundamental cause of tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair. The fungus mainly consists of various microsporum species, with the rust-red microsporum being the most common. Tinea capitis can be contracted through direct or indirect contact and is common among children and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of tinea capitis include dandruff, scabs, itching, and others. It is essential to promptly visit a dermatologist for fungal testing and treatment.