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February 7, 2012
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Ringworm on Scalp

Medical Author:
Tuan Dang Nguyen, MD
Coauthor:
Lisandro Irizarry, MD, MPH, FAAEM
Coauthor:
Mai Kim Lai, MD
Medical Editor:
Patrick Taylor, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM

Ringworm on Scalp Overview

Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is a very common fungal infection among children throughout the world. Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes cause scalp ringworm by superficially infecting certain types of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails. This forms the crusty, scaly patches associated with scalp ringworm.

  • In the United States, an estimated 3-8% of the population is affected by scalp ringworm. Some people can be carriers of the organism and spread it to others in the household. In other countries, an estimated 9.6% of people are affected, and nearly 40% can be carriers.
  • Children aged 4-14 years are most likely to develop ringworm of the scalp, although it can occasionally appear in adults.
  • Scalp ringworm occurs most frequently in urban areas among people with low incomes living in overcrowded quarters.
  • This disease tends to be more severe in children with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, AIDS, or cancer.

  • Ringworm found on the body differs from scalp ringworm and is caused by a separate organism.

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Ringworm on Scalp Causes»
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Ringworm on Scalp - Treatment

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Ringworm on Scalp

Onychomycosis »

Introduction

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails. Onychomycosis causes fingernails or toenails to thicken, discolor, disfigure, and split. At first, onychomycosis appears to be only a cosmetic concern. Without treatment, however, the toenails can become so thick that they press against the inside of the shoes, causing pressure, irritation, and pain. Fingernail infection may cause psychological, social, or employment-related problems.

Half of all nail disorders are caused by onychomycosis, and it is the most common nail disease in adults. Toenails are much more likely to be infected than fingernails. The incidence of onychomycosis has been increasing and is related to diabetes, a suppressed immune system, and increasing age. Adults are 30 times more likely to have onychomycosis than children. In fact, only 2.6% of children younger than 18 years are reported to have onychomycosis, but as many as 90% of elderly p...

Read the Onychomycosis article »


Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Tinea Capitis »

Tinea capitis is a disease caused by superficial fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, with a propensity for attacking hair shafts and follicles.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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