The most common type of head fungus is scalp ringworm, also known as tinea capitis. Although it can affect people of any age, it’s most common in children. It causes itchy, scaly bald patches on the skin. In more serious cases it can cause severe inflammation and permanent hair loss. So, what can you do to treat scalp ringworm?
If you think you have ringworm, it’s important to see your doctor or dermatologist. This kind of infection usually requires medication. There are also some shampoos and home remedies that can help alleviate your symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and some home remedies to treat scalp ringworm.
What does scalp ringworm look like and what causes it?
There are various kinds of head fungus infections, but the most common type is known as tinea capitis. This infection is caused by dermatophyte fungi.
According to an article in the scientific magazine Mycopathologia, symptoms can vary depending on the level of capillary invasion, the patient’s immune system, and the degree of their inflammatory response.
People with a mild case of ringworm can experience some hair loss and small, hard-to-see scaly patches. In more serious cases, it can cause painful, swollen lesions on the skin that cover a large portion of the scalp and inhibit hair growth.
The signs and symptoms of tinea capitis head fungus vary, but it usually causes itchy and scaly bald patches on the scalp.
If your hair is often wet or damp, the microorganisms that cause scalp ringworm can thrive. You can also get ringworm if you have a cut or wound on your head and don’t clean it properly.
This infection is contagious, so you should avoid contact with other people and avoid using the same personal grooming accessories as someone with ringworm. Seek professional help as soon as possible so you can treat the infection properly.
Treatment for scalp ringworm
After seeing a doctor or dermatologist for a head fungus infection, the professional may suggest certain oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine, itraconazole, griseofulvin, and fluconazole. At the moment, itraconazole and terbinafine are even authorized in some countries for use in children.
If your doctor prescribes one of these medications, you might have to take it for six months or more. They might also recommend that you also use a medicated shampoo. This product helps to kill the fungal spores and prevents the infection from spreading.
The most frequently recommended medicated shampoo is one that includes 2% ketoconazole. All children in the household with a sick person should use this shampoo at least twice a week for 6 weeks. Adults should use it only if they have symptoms.
Also, relapses of tinea capitis are very common, as the fungi leave spores on everyday objects. Thus, infected persons should wash towels in hot soapy water after use. In addition, it is recommended to soak combs and brushes in bleach solutions for an hour a day for two consecutive days.
How to prevent scalp ringworm infections
According to the Mayo Clinic, fungal infections in the scalp are difficult to prevent because they’re highly contagious. However, there are some measures you can take to reduces your risk.
These include:
- Avoid keeping your hair wet for long periods of time.
- Do not wear caps or hats that prevent your hair from drying after washing.
- Keep your hair clean and use a good shampoo.
- Avoid contact with infected animals.
- Inform children and adults about the risks of contracting this infection.
- Try not to use other people’s belongings, such as combs, tweezers, hats, pillows, towels, etc.
- At the same time, keep clean all the objects that you use with your hair clean.
6 Home Remedies to Treat Scalp Ringworm
As a complement to the medical treatment for head fungus, you can try some remedies of natural origin that -according to beliefs – can help soothe some discomfort.
However, it should be noted that the evidence on their safety and efficacy is limited. Therefore, they should be used with caution and never as a substitute for the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
If you have doubts about their use and other related aspects, always consult a medical professional. Also, if you notice any unfavorable reaction or side effects after application, stop using them immediately and rinse with plenty of cold water.
1. Garlic solution to apply on the scalp
Garlic has multiple antibiotic, antifungal, and antiseptic capabilities, so it’s used in multiple infections. In fact, an in vitro study demonstrated that many dermatophytes are unable to survive concentrations greater than 1,000 micrograms per deciliter of garlic.
Garlic tincture is a popular remedy to treat scalp ringworm. However, you should bear in mind that it can be a bit strong for sensitive skin types. So, do a little test first before using it.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup lemon juice (125 ml)
- 6 rosemary leaves
- 5 garlic cloves
How to use it:
- Peel the garlic cloves and bring to a boil with the lemon juice and rosemary leaves for about 10 minutes.
- Apply the resulting mixture daily on your scalp.
2. Baking Soda Scrub
Because of its texture, baking soda serves as a great exfoliant to remove flakes and dead cells that accumulate on the scalp. In addition, its application also helps soothe itching.
However, as in the previous case, it should be used with caution in the case of a sensitive scalp.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of hot water (250 ml)
- 1 tbsp. of baking soda (9 g)
How to use it:
- Mix the cup of hot water with the tablespoon of baking soda.
- After showering, apply on your scalp with circular movements and leave on for 5 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
3. Apple cider vinegar for scalp ringworm
The antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar have been researched, but still lack scientific support as a treatment strategy. Despite this, popular culture has accepted it as an alternative remedy for fungal infections such as ringworm.
Here’s how to use it.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup vinegar (62 ml)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
How to use it:
- Dilute the apple vinegar in a cup of water.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.
4. Yogurt and lemon mixture for head fungus
There’s no scientific evidence that plain yogurt and lemon can help treat fungal infections of the scalp. However, probiotic products like yogurt might promote anti-fungal activity because of their content of live active cultures.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of natural yogurt (100 g)
- a few drops of lemon juice
How to use it:
- Mix both ingredients.
- Then, apply them to your scalp, and leave them on for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse with water and then dry your hair well. You can repeat the procedure three times a week.
5. White vinegar
Like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar as a remedy for fungus comes mainly from popular culture. It’s advisable to use it diluted in water since it can be very aggressive to the scalp in its natural state.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup vinegar (62 ml)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
How to use it:
- Mix the ingredients.
- After thoroughly washing your hair, apply the mixture on your scalp and leave it on for 5 minutes.
- Finally, rinse with water.
6. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera has aloin. This is a substance believed to have antifungal effects. In fact, a study published in the Oman Medical Journal confirmed that aloin does indeed have antifungal properties.
Ingredients:
- aloe vera gel
What to do?
- Spread the aloe vera gel on your scalp with a brush, so it’s in direct contact with the scalp.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes and then rinse with plenty of water.
Some final notes
The presence of head fungus is a problem that should be addressed by a professional. Although there are complementary remedies, the best way to overcome this infection is to follow medical treatment. In addition, preventive measures should be taken to prevent it from spreading to other people.
