Are Scalp Ringworms Real?

Scalp ringworm, despite the name, are not actual “worms” but a highly contagious fungal infection. Scalp ringworm first appears as a small bump that looks like a pimple. Over time, the ring of the patch starts to rise forming a bumpy scaly ring border. The circular marks left on the scalp is what gives the scalp ringworm its name.

Don’t fall victim to this infection, read more to find out some of the causes, symptoms and prevention measures!

Disclaimer: This article may contain sensitive content in which some viewers may find offensive or disturbing.

 

Causes

Human-to-human contact

Scalp Ringworms can spread through direct skin contact with an infected person.

Object-to-Human

It is also possible for the infection to spread via objects or surfaces that the infected person has came into contact with. e.g. combs, brushes etc.

 

Symptoms

 
Hair Loss

You may start experiencing hair fall on certain areas of your scalp as the fungus gets into the hair fibers on the affected area. The inflammation on the scalp causes the hair to be brittle, breaking off easily. This leaves you with bald patches on your scalp. If not treated early, Scalp ringworm can lead to permanent scarring & hair loss.

Painful Scalp

In some cases, painful boils called “pustules”  may develop on the scalp, causing inflammation. As the infection gets more severe, the scalp starts to swell, called a kerion. 

“Dandruff”

Scalp ringworm causes itchy, red, scaly spots on the scalp. The dry flaking skin may sometimes be mistaken for “dandruff”.

 
Swollen Lymph Nodes

Serious cases of scalp ringworm infection may also cause you to develop swelling in the lymph nodes. This is an immune response from fighting the fungal infection on the scalp.

Low grade fever

Developing a fungal infection may cause you to have a low fever as an immune reaction. Lymph nodes can be extremely tender, disfiguring & painful. 

 

Prevention

It is important to prevent the infection before it happens. Here are some prevention steps!:

• Wash your hair regularly - Wash & shampoo hair at least once a day to keep it clean. Ridding your hair of bacteria is necessary in maintaining a healthy scalp & preventing Scalp ringworm.
• Keeping hair & skin, clean & dry -  Scalp ringworm like all fungal infections, thrives in environments that are moist & dirty. Keeping your hair clean and dry after a shower is key to preventing the infection.

 

Looking to effectively wash and cleanse your scalp? Try Chanamu! We have a range of products that may just help you!

Chanamu Scalp Care Tonic, which contains Tea Tree Oil that helps eliminate germs & bacteria, Cumin & Hawthorn extract that helps soothe inflammation & reduce acne.

For your daily shampooing, we recommend Chanamu Tea Tree Shampoo, which is anti-bacterial, anti-dandruff.


 Chanamu Irritable Scalp Shampoo, which relieves & prevents scalp irritation.

In the event of a serious scalp worm infection, it is highly recommended to seek professional help.

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Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9)