Children are usually concerned with anything that makes them stand out in school. Having a scaly patch on the scalp may cause embarrassment for your child. You should consult with your doctor to determine the cause and treatment needed to clear up the scaly patches on your child's scalp. It is important to let your child know that this condition is only temporary and is easily treated.
Causes
Scaly patches on your child's scalp may be because of ringworm of the scalp. This fungal infection is common in toddlers and school-age children and is persistent and contagious if not treated. It can spread easily from person-to-person contact or from sharing objects. Animals can also carry ringworm and spread it to your child.
Dandruff may be another cause of scaly patches on the scalp of your child. Dandruff may be the result of dry or irritated skin, psoriasis, eczema or sensitivity to hair care products. Changes in hormones, stress and illness may also result in dandruff.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ringworm of the scalp include one or more round patches of scaly skin. The hair usually breaks off in this area of the scalp. The patches slowly expand or enlarge and are scaly, gray or reddened. The scalp may also be painful or tender in this area.
Dandruff is easy to spot in most children, as they will have white, oily looking flakes or dead skin that falls on their shoulders and may have an itchy, scaling scalp. Cradle cap is a form of dandruff that affects babies and causes a scaling, crusty scalp.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for contracting ringworm of the scalp include your child having close physical contact with other children, such as at schools or child care centers. Exposure to pets also increases your child's risk. Other factors include poor hygiene and overcrowded living conditions.
Risk factors for dandruff include age--as dandruff usually begins in young adulthood--being male, having an oily scalp or a diet lacking zinc and B vitamins.
Treatment
To treat ringworm of the scalp, your doctor may prescribe Griseofulvin, which is taken by mouth as a tablet or liquid, or may prescribe Terbinafine hydrochloride, an oral granule medication that can be sprinkled on your child's food. These medications can be taken for six weeks. According to MayoClinic.com, medications applied directly to the scalp are less able to penetrate the scalp and hair, therefore they are less effective.
Treatment for mild dandruff includes daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo and if that does not treat the symptoms, your child may need an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. According to MayoClinic.com, your child needs to leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes to give the ingredients time to work.
Prevention
Ringworm of the scalp is difficult to prevent because it is often contagious before any signs or symptoms appear. To reduce your child's risk your child should shampoo his hair regularly, wash hands often to avoid spreading infection, avoid infected areas and avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, hairbrushes and towels.
Dandruff prevention includes having your child learn to manage stress, shampooing often if your child has an oily scalp and maintaining a healthy diet.
