Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is caused by dermatophytes, which are contagious fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. While it is most commonly seen in school-age children, anyone who comes into contact with the pathogen can suffer from the condition, which is characterized by round patches of scaly skin along the scalp. These patches often cause the hair to become quite brittle, prompting breakage of the hair shaft or hair loss. The most effective means of growing back the hair lost is to rid the scalp of the ringworm.
Step 1
Contact your doctor. Over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications are not as effective in treating tinea capitis, warns the Mayo Clinic. You will need a prescription medication to rid the scalp of the fungus before it is able to spread.
Step 2
Take griseofulvin, urges the National Institutes of Health. Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication taken by mouth to treat fungal infections of the skin, scalp and nails. Make sure to use the drug for the entire prescription period, which is approximately six weeks, even if you see an improvement in your condition before this time.
Step 3
Mix terbinafine into your food. Another oral antifungal medication that is effective on tinea capitis is terbinafine, advises the Mayo Clinic. This is especially helpful for people who have an aversion to pills, since it comes in granules that are mixed into your food. It takes about the same amount of time as griseofulvin to treat the condition effectively.
Step 4
Shampoo the scalp with selenium sulfide or ketoconazole. Both medicated shampoos can prevent the fungus from spreading to the rest of your scalp, says the National Institutes of Health. Used two to three times a week, this should prevent further hair damage and help to encourage normal hair growth.
Step 5
Allow hair to grow back on its own. There is really nothing special needed to encourage hair growth after tinea capitis. Once the scalp is rid of the ringworm, you should see new hair growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, continue to take the medication and use the medicated shampoo for at least six weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- When using the medicated shampoo, the Mayo Clinic recommends leaving it on the scalp for roughly five minutes before rinsing.
- If left untreated, tinea capitis may cause inflammation of the scalp that elicits pain and fluid secretion.
Things You'll Need
- Griseofulvin
- Terbinafine hydrochloride
- Selenium sulfide shampoo
- Ketoconazole shampoo
