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What are the Different Types of Ringworm Scalp Treatment?

Anna T.
Anna T.

The different types of ringworm scalp treatment typically involve the use of topical and oral medications. There are shampoos, both prescription and non-prescription, that are specifically designed to treat ringworm of the scalp, which is also called tinea capitis. In addition to medicated shampoos, doctors often prescribe oral medications, such as griseofulvin, which is a popular medication for fungal infections. Herbal and home remedies are other types of ringworm scalp treatments that may be effective when used in conjunction with various medications. Regardless of the type of treatment used, a person may continue to have symptoms for as long as three weeks before the problem goes away completely.

When shampoo is used as a form of ringworm scalp treatment, it typically contains ingredients such as zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. These ingredients are often found in most popular brands of dandruff shampoo, and they are usually effective for getting rid of fungus on the scalp. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoo may actually help with scalp ringworm, but people with severe cases may need to get a doctor's prescription for a more heavily medicated shampoo. When dandruff shampoo is used, it should be used about three to four times a week until the problem is gone. Even though shampoos are often helpful for treating scalp ringworm, oral medications will likely still be necessary in addition to the shampoo.

Scalp ringworm can be treated with special creams.
Scalp ringworm can be treated with special creams.

Prescription medicines, such as griseofulvin, are generally prescribed for ringworm scalp treatment. Shampoos alone are not usually enough to get rid of the problem and are often more effective when other medications are also being taken. Griseofulvin is a popular drug that is typically capable of getting rid of many fungal infections, including jock itch and athlete's foot. Doctors normally recommend taking griseofulvin about once a day for up to six weeks for scalp infections. Griseofulvin comes in many different forms, including tablet, liquid, and capsule form.

Scalp ringworm usually requires a trip to the doctor to get a prescription that can treat the condition.
Scalp ringworm usually requires a trip to the doctor to get a prescription that can treat the condition.

Scalp ringworm almost always requires doctor-prescribed medication to treat, but home and herbal remedies can be helpful when they are used in addition to whatever the doctor recommends. Some people have had success with getting rid of scalp ringworm by using castor oil on their scalps. Many people apply small amounts of it with cotton swabs to the affected areas of their scalps after each shampoo. Tea tree oil also tends to be helpful and may be used in the same manner as castor oil.

Tea tree oil may be applied to affected areas of the scalp to treat ringworm.
Tea tree oil may be applied to affected areas of the scalp to treat ringworm.

In addition to treatment, a person with scalp ringworm should do what she can to help prevent spreading the infection. Scalp ringworm tends to be incredibly contagious, and sharing things like combs, hats, or hair accessories with other people will increase the chances that they will get the infection too. If pillows and bedding are shared, it might also be a good idea to wash them in very hot water to help kill any fungus that may be living on the material.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

@ddljohn-- I don't know if you have access to fresh black walnuts but if you do, cutting the skin and applying the juice on the skin with ringworm will get rid of it in a few days. This is an old folk remedy but I have seen my grandmother use it with success. Apple cider is said to work as well. However, let me mention that I have seen these remedies work on skin. I've never seem them tried on the scalp.

If you're not sure about these remedies, then just use the medication prescribed by your doctor.

turquoise

@ddljohn-- I've never tried it so I'm not sure. I think it's best to use prescription medications because like the article said, ringworm is very infectious. It can pass on to others very easily. So the faster it is treated, the better. Home remedies and natural treatments will probably work but I'm not sure if they will work as fast as prescription treatments. I personally would not take that risk.

I had a scalp ringworm infection a few years ago. I just used the treatments prescribed by my doctor. The infection went away fairly quickly.

ddljohn

Can I treat scalp ringworm with something natural like tea tree oil completely? How long will it take to work?

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    • Scalp ringworm can be treated with special creams.
      By: motorlka
      Scalp ringworm can be treated with special creams.
    • Scalp ringworm usually requires a trip to the doctor to get a prescription that can treat the condition.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Scalp ringworm usually requires a trip to the doctor to get a prescription that can treat the condition.
    • Tea tree oil may be applied to affected areas of the scalp to treat ringworm.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Tea tree oil may be applied to affected areas of the scalp to treat ringworm.
    • Ringworm of the scalp may cause excessive flakiness.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Ringworm of the scalp may cause excessive flakiness.
    • Ringworm typically presents in the form of a circular rash.
      By: schankz
      Ringworm typically presents in the form of a circular rash.
    • Many medicated shampoos contain selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Many medicated shampoos contain selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione.
    • Left untreated, a scalp infection such as ringworm may cause hair loss.
      By: prudkov
      Left untreated, a scalp infection such as ringworm may cause hair loss.