skin disorders
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Treatment of Scalp Ringworm
In children and adults, antifungal medications taken by mouth In children, antifungal cream andselenium sulfideshampoo In adults, sometimesselenium sulfideshampoo Sometimesprednisone In children,treatment of tinea capitis involves an antifungal medication calledterbinafinetaken by mouth.Griseofulvinis an alternative medication for children. An antifungal cream can be applied to the scalp to prevent spread, especially to other children, until the tinea capitis is cured. Prescription-strengthselenium sulfideshampoo should also be used at least twice a week. Children may attend school during treatment. (See also table.) In adults,treatment of tinea capitis is with the antifungal medicationterbinafineoritraconazoletaken by mouth. How long treatment is needed depends on the medication used.Selenium sulfideshampoo is also sometimes used in adults. For severely inflamed areas and for a kerion, doctors may prescribe a short course of a corticosteroid such asprednisonetaken by mouth to lessen symptoms and perhaps reduce the chance of scarring. 