What causes scalp ringworm?
Ringworm is not caused by worms. It is caused by a germ called fungus. It is spread by close contact with an infected person or pet. Ways to spread scalp ringworm are as follows: • Sharing towels, hairbrushes, combs, barrettes, and hats with an infected person. • Touching pets that are infected. • Touching soil (dirt) that contains the fungus, but this is not common. What are the signs and symptoms of scalp ringworm? Your head may have patches of hair loss and raised, scaly skin. Your scalp may also itch. The infected area may have black dots from broken hairs and small, round bumps. How is scalp ringworm diagnosed? Your caregiver may know that you have ringworm just by looking at your scalp. Your caregiver may also scrape off a small amount of your skin with a tiny blade. A special test done with the skin scraping can help your caregiver know if you have ringworm. How is scalp ringworm treated? • Do not scratch your scalp. This may cause your ringworm sores to become infected. Scratch
