Ringworm of the Scalp: Does It Make You Bald?

Among the hair diseases that can be contracted, ringworm of the scalp is one of the most contagious. It is an infection that, if not treated in time, can cause certain complications. This is why it is essential to know how to recognize its symptoms, as well as how to prevent it.

One of the big concerns around this hair infection is whether it causes permanent hair loss. In it blog de Hospital Capilar, an expert clinic in hair grafting in Madrid, Murcia and Pontevedra, we will tell you to what extent ringworm of the scalp can make you bald.

What is ringworm of the scalp?

Ringworm of the scalp, or tinea capitis, is a scalp disease It is caused by a fungal infection. Specifically, tinea capitis is produced by types of fungi called dermatophytes. The proliferation of these fungi on the scalp causes redness, flaking and presents with itching and stinging.

In addition to the scalp, other areas such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or groin can also be affected by these fungi. Ringworm usually occurs in children, mainly due to the way it is spread, between the ages of 6 months and 12 years.

How is ringworm of the scalp spread?

Outbreaks in schools or hairdressers are often frequent. This is because it is a highly contagious disease, so knowing the main routes of infection is essential to minimize the chances of getting infected.

Contact with an infected person

The main route of transmission of ringworm of the scalp is direct contact with a person infected with this fungus.. This is the main reason why ringworm cases tend to be more frequent among children. If the spores of the fungus come into contact with our scalp, the infection of ringworm will occur in the hair

Touching or brushing an infected animal

Being in contact with domestic animals infected with tinea capitis is another of the most common routes of infection. In these cases, it is essential to treat and control the pet with ringworm to avoid outbreaks, in addition to proceeding with strict hygiene standards in the objects with which the pet is in contact.

Use infected objects

It is not advisable to share personal hygiene products such as combs or towels. Among other skin diseases, we can get ringworm of the scalp if we use this type of infected objects. In addition, the sheets or pillows are another main route of transmission of this fungal infection.

Excess moisture on the skin

Lack of hair hygiene will not only make it lose quality, be greasy or aesthetically worse, but it can also be the origin of certain scalp diseases. When we don't wash our hair regularly, sweat, sebum and dirt accumulate which, in addition to preventing the proper functioning of the hair follicles, can lead to the proliferation of fungi. This is mainly why it is essential to follow good hair care at home.

Symptoms of ringworm in the hair

Identifying the symptoms of ringworm of the scalp is useful to put ourselves in the hands of professionals as soon as possible and thus avoid complications or infecting the people around us.

Scalp redness

The most obvious symptom of tinea capitis is redness of the infected area. The skin becomes reddish and scaly in appearance.

itching and stinging

What usually awakens the alarm signs are the discomfort caused by ringworm. This fungal infection generates itching and stinging, a symptom that can range from moderate to severe depending on the stage of the disease.

Red and inflamed plaques

In the most advanced cases, plaques or patches with pus are observed that generate thick, yellowish crusts on the scalp. This inflammation can even lead to fever and scarring, which would cause irreversible hair loss.

hair loss

Ringworm of the scalp causes the hair shaft to become more fragile and eventually breaks. This means that, yes, ringworm of the scalp causes hair loss, but unlike alopecia, it is usually a reversible hair loss.

Does ringworm of the scalp make you bald?

As indicated by our doctorsGenerally, ringworm of the scalp does not leave you bald nor is it associated as the main factor of baldness. When the disease is not treated in time and the infection is serious, it is true that the yellowish scabs that we mentioned previously can cause hair to fall out permanently, mainly because it leaves scars. However, a tinea capitis infection causes hair loss, but it is reversible in most cases.  

How is ringworm in the hair treated?

In the presence of some of the symptoms discussed, it is essential to put yourself in the hands of experts to treat tinea capitis infection as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, the specialist doctor will resort to one treatment or another.

Oral antifungals

Oral antifungals are usually prescribed to treat the fungal infection for about a month and a half. This requires a prescription and monitoring of the evolution of the disease.  

Topical antifungals

The use of creams with antifungal action is one of the options to prevent ringworm from spreading. These types of products are used on the hair and reduce the possibility of spreading the fungus.

Special shampoos

To reduce discomfort and, again, prevent spread, your doctor may recommend the use of selenium sulfide shampoos.