As ringworm is a disease produced by a fungus the doctor will prescribe antifungal medications. Many people are afraid of going to the doctor for a treatment if they have scalp ringworm as they believe that scalp shaving is a part of the treatment. This is not true; the patient does to have to remove the hair from the scalp because the antifungal medication is efficient even without hair removal.



The doctor will usually prescribe shampoos containing selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione. These shampoos have to be used 2-3 times weekly at home along with oral medication. They can prevent the shedding of the spores this way reducing their number.

In case of a severe inflammatory type of scalp ringworm oral steroids can be prescribed.

Since 1958 griseofulvin (Fulvicin, Grisactin) has been the choice of a large number of doctors as it is the safest for the patient. Treatment lasts for 6 to 8 weeks and the patient has to take daily this medication. At the end of these 8 weeks a culture exam will show whether fungi are still present or not. Side effects like gastro intestinal problems or headaches are quite rare.

In case one patient is not responsive to griseofulvin, other medications are available, like: Itraconazole (Sporanox), Terbinafine (Lamisil), and Fluconazole (Diflucan).

In case the patient has a severe inflammatory scalp ringworm then Prednisone will be prescribe for at least 10 days, and one of the previous treatments must be added.

In order to cure the infection completely the hair needs to grow out and. Because this process is very slowly and can take weeks to months a continuous treatment is needed. Shampoos can be used but they should not be considered as a substitute for the oral treatment. From time to time the patient should go to the doctor in order to monitor the improvements and to see whether side effects are present or not.

Ringworm is a highly contagious disease and in order to prevent contamination from one to another people should use their own towels, brushes and combs. As animals are a source or contamination they must be taken to a periodically check up and if they have the disease they must be treated immediately.