Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Scalp ringworm

Scalp ringworm, also called tinea capitis, is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair. Common signs include itching, scaling, broken hairs or bald patches. Cream on the skin alone is usually not enough: because the hair is also affected, treatment with a medicine taken by mouth is often needed under medical guidance. A painful swollen area of inflammation with pus, called a kerion, needs prompt assessment to help prevent permanent hair loss.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • Scalp ringworm is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair.
  • Scaling and itching sometimes resemble dandruff, but broken hairs and bald patches are more suggestive of scalp ringworm.
  • Because the hair is affected, a medicine taken by mouth is often needed; ointment or shampoo alone is usually not enough.
  • A painful swollen area of inflammation, called a kerion, needs prompt assessment.
  • Good hygiene helps limit spread, but does not replace treatment.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
B
Bald patchesBald patches are a pattern, not a diagnosis. Causes include alopecia areata, scalp fungal infection, hair pulling, scarring or other skin disease. Distinguishing them matters: fungal infection may spread to others and scarring may cause permanent damage.
A
Athlete's footAthlete's foot is a superficial dermatophyte infection, usually between the toes or on the sole and edges of the foot. Scaling, cracks and itching often respond to a topical antifungal and keeping the skin dry, but eczema and bacterial infections can look similar. A warm foot with rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever or a wound in someone with diabetes needs prompt assessment.
F
Fungal skin infectionA fungal skin infection is a superficial infection affecting the skin, hair or sometimes skin folds. Symptoms vary by location: round scaly patches on the body, cracks between the toes, an itchy groin or other patches with red, scaly edges. Treatment depends on the site and severity. Do not use only a corticosteroid cream on a suspected fungal patch without advice, because this can hide and worsen the infection.