There are many forms of ringworm and the disease can affect the skin on different regions of the body, the fingernails, the toenails or the scalp. Ringworm is caused by infection with various types of fungal organisms called dermatophytes. The disease is very contagious and it can occur in anyone. However, ringworm has the highest incidence in young children. Elderly people and people with weak immune system are also very exposed to acquiring ringworm, due to their increased susceptibility to infections.
Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a very common type of fungal infection. Ringworm of the scalp mostly occurs in children, but the disease can be developed by adults as well. Ringworm of the scalp is contagious and the fungal organisms responsible for causing the disease can be contracted either directly, through physical contact with contaminated people or animals, or indirectly, through physical contact with contaminated objects. Children often interact with infested animals or enter in contact with contaminated objects and hence they can easily contract the fungal elements that cause ringworm of the scalp. Statistics indicate that in the United States alone, more than 7 percent of the population suffers from ringworm of the scalp. Due to its contagious character, ringworm of the scalp can be easily transmitted in overcrowded schools, hospitals or nursing homes.
The occurrence of ringworm of the scalp can be prevented through proper hygiene. Even if the fungal organisms responsible for causing ringworm of the scalp are contracted by people, good personal hygiene minimizes the chances of infection. It is also advised to avoid physical contact with animals that present signs of infection. Many people and animals are carriers for dermatophytes and the fungal infection may only occur in special conditions. For instance, persons contaminated with dermatophytes can develop ringworm of the scalp if they have scratches or open lesions on the surface of the scalp or if they suffer from conditions that compromise their immune system. Otherwise, dermatophytes are unable to penetrate the skin and therefore, they can’t produce infections.
In the initial stages of the disease, ringworm of the scalp is manifested by scaling of the scalp, inflammation, rash and itching. The scalp can also become crusty or get a yellowish aspect. In many cases, ringworm of the scalp involves hair loss on the affected regions of the scalp. Although this symptom of the disease is only temporary, if the infection is severe, hair loss can be very pronounced. Sometimes ringworm of the scalp can lead to the formation of pus-filled prominences and painful nodules on the affected areas of the scalp. If the disease is severe, the fungal infection can even spread to the neck and face. Small pustules and blisters on the scalp can also occur due to infection with dermatophytes.
With appropriate medical treatment, ringworm of the scalp can be effectively overcome. The medications prescribed in the treatment for ringworm of the scalp contain specific antifungal materials that are aimed at killing the infectious fungal organisms. The antifungal medical treatment can be either under the form of oral tablets or lotions and creams for external use. It is important to inform a dermatologist about your condition if you present possible signs of ringworm of the scalp. The disease can aggravate quickly in the absence of medical treatment and the infection can be easily spread to other people.
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