What is it?
A severe inflamed reaction that to the fungus involved in ringworm of the scalp, they can vary in size.
- It normally occurs from fungus that may be spread from infected animals (zoophilic dermatophytes) hence it is important to wash ones hands thoroughly after stroking animals and also to make sure if an animal has suspected ringworm, that they should be treated via a vet.
This condition is very contagious and prompt treatment as well as prevention measures are required.
Diagnosis Tests
- Biopsy – rule out other types of condition
- Skin culture
- KOH test
- Hair from scalp taken and treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and then examined under microscope
- Fungal culture test – can take up to 3 weeks for results.
- PCR testing – detect types of fungus
- Trichoscopy – check for variation in hair
- Wood’s Lamp Examination
- UV light examination of scalp (depending on infection – show types of colour i.e. greenish fluorescence)
Cause
- Severe reaction to Mold-like fungi called dermatophytes i.e. Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis and M. audouinii; other Trichophyton sp i.e. T. schoenleinii,T. violace
Symptoms
- Raised swellings?
- Pus that is thick and yellow causing crusting on the scalp?
- Hair falls out or can be easily pulled out?
- Scarring of the skin?
- Lymph nodes at the back of the scalp, behind the ears, or along the sides of the neck may be swollen?
- Fever?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Ringworm and other fungal conditions on scalp is contagious and can spread in the following ways:
- Human to human. Ringworm often spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person (head to head contact, head to skin contact and vice versa, skin to skin contact).
- Object to human. Ringworm can spread through contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or animal has touched, such as clothing, towels, bed linens, combs or brushes.
- Animal to human. Dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, are often carriers of ringworm.
- Other animals that are often carriers of the fungi include cows, goats, pigs and horses. Your child can contract ringworm by grooming or petting an animal with ringworm.
- If not treated it can spread for weeks to months
- After starting treatment the condition spreading reduces after 24- 48 hours however precautions still must be taken.
- Keep lesion covered if possible
- Wash hand regularly.
Extra hygiene measures
- Wash bedding and caps and hats regularly (hot wash if possible)
- Disinfect combs and hair tools
- Check close contacts (siblings, classmates) if there are symptoms
This condition may show similar symptoms to:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
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