The scalp ringworm which is most common in children has some alarming statistics. It is estimated that in the U.S of A alone 3-8% of the population is infected by this ringworm. And in the other countries as a whole, approximately 10% are affected. If the child has weak immune system then the infection will be more severe. One more thing is that around 50% of children have hair loss due to this fungal infection. In view of these stats it becomes important for parents to take care of their children and see to it that they get rid of this disease. By having a decent knowledge in this area it will be possible for you to tackle the scalp ringworm.
Causes and Symptoms
Scalp ringworm is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungal organisms can be found in pet animals, soil and obviously human beings also. The dermatophytes infect the hair shafts and feed on keratin ( a protein that forms hair and nails ).
Due to this the affected area becomes red, scaly, rash like and the hair start falling.
It is classified into three types depending upon the type of dermatophyte that infects the scalp. Here is a brief description of each.
1) Black dot Ringworm: Trichophyton is the fungi which causes black dot ringworm. It attacks the hair shaft and infects it, as a result the hair become brittle and break off. Now the remaining area which has hair appears like a black dot. This is why it is named black dot ringworm.
2) Gray patch Ringworm: Fungi by the name Microsporum is responsible for this ringworm. You can see small, red bumps around
the hair shaft when it just starts. As it grows it forms red, circular rings. The hair in the infected spot appear gray and also break off
regularly. It will also be accompanied by itching which may become intense.
3) Inflammatory Ringworm: This is the most dangerous among the three. It is caused by the fungi which are present in pet animals and soil. The infected area will have elevated mass ( called kerion) and pus may be generated from it. In this case also the hair will be broken. Some other symptoms for inflammatory ringworm are fever, itching, pain and enlarged lymph nodes( small bean size organs located in the body).
Nowadays the black dot ringworm is most common in the U.S of A. The other two are in small proportion. However, the treatment for any type of scalp ringworm should be started quickly so that your child does not suffer for more days.
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