DIY Home Remedies for Scalp Ringworm with causes, symptoms, and FAQs

Scalp Ringworm: its causes, cautions, and DIY home remedies

Scalp ringworm that is also known as tinea capitis is a contiguous fungal infection that affects the hair shaft. There can be various symptoms such as bald patches, scaly appearance, itchiness, and flakes on the scalp. In several cases, scalp ringworm leads to scarring and permanent hair loss. Therefore, it is advisable to cure it at an early stage. It is more seen in the pre-pubertal children, mostly boys around the age of 7 to 12 years. Fortunately, there are many effective home remedies available to treat scalp ringworm. In this article, we will cover such natural treatments along with the causes, symptoms, and prevention tips for scalp ringworm. We will not recommend any home remedy for severe cases of infection. In such a situation, seek medical aid from the nearest dermatologist. 

Types of Scalp ringworm

There are a few types of scalp ringworm that are commonly seen among people such as 

• Black dot: This type of ringworm is caused by an organism called Trichophyton , a kind of fungus. It makes the hair follicles very weak & brittle and they start falling off easily resulting in bald patches.
• Gray patches: In this kind of ringworm lesions in the form of red small bumps like structures start appearing around the hair shaft. It becomes circular dry rings and the infected area seems grey and dull in color. Hair loss and intense itching are observed in this type of ringworm.
• Inflammatory: Fungi that come from the environment are responsible for causing this ringworm. It leads to small pustules and kerion formations on the scalp that break off the hair. Oral steroids are prescribed to cure this kind of scalp ringworm.

Read | How to remove eyebrow dandruff permanently?

What are the causes of Scalp Ringworm?

There can be various reasons for scalp ringworm as mentioned below:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact
• Exposure to animals
• Weak immune system
• Unhealthy habits such as bad hygiene

Scalp Ringworm: Complications

Treatment for scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) and nail infection (tinea unguium) is the most difficult and usually entails taking an anti-fungal medication for several weeks. Some people require more extensive treatment. Ringworm of the scalp, like any medical condition, can lead to complications such as Kerion. There is pain and severe inflammation of the scalp, as well as soft and raised swellings. These cause thick, yellow crusts to form on the scalp and can even drain pus. Instead of being broken, hair falls out or can be easily pulled out. Kerion can occur when there is an overly vigorous reaction to a fungus, resulting in permanent hair loss.

Read | How to cure Eczema at home?- A detailed information

Scalp Ringworm: Symptoms

These are the most commonly visible signs of Scalp ringworm. 

• Round patches of scaly skin
• Brittle hairs
• Expansion of bald circular patches
• Gray, red or black spots
• Inflamed and pus skin
• Irritation
• Blisters
• Severe itching
• Pain on touching the scalp

Scalp Ringworm: DIY Home Remedies 

There are many natural home remedies through which a person can cure the problem of scalp ringworm. Some of them are as following-

Coconut oil Remedy

• Take some amount of pure coconut oil.
• Add a little (powdered) camphor into it.
• Mix and store this oil in a glass container.
• Keep it in the sun for some time.
• Use this oil on the affected area.
• It will reduce the inflammation, itching, and growth of bacteria.
• In case of severe itching (or full-body itching) Try to add a few drops of this oil to your bathing water. 
• If you have small bumps or damaged skin, apply this oil at night daily. Soon your skin will start recovering.

Read | Why collagen is beneficial for skin and hair?

Triphala Remedy

• Daily take 1 tsp triphala powder before sleeping.
• Consume it with a glass of water.
• Repeat this activity until you get full relief.
• Avoid eating sour, oily, and spicy food for quick results.
• You can also mix triphala in water and apply it to the affected scalp. It will also be very beneficial to remove the itching.

Prevention(s)

Normally any fungal disease is difficult to prevent due to its highly contagious nature. But here are some precautions with that you can safeguard yourself from scalp ringworm given below

• Regularly shampoo your hair (particularly scalp)
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of the infection.
• Common areas like gyms and locker rooms must be kept clean.
• Avoid sharing personal items (Towel or clothes)

FAQs

Q. Does the scalp ringworm disappear on its own?

No, scalp ringworm does not go away by itself it keeps on spreading more on the area of the scalp. However, it can be treated with the above-mentioned home remedies and in severe cases with a doctor’s prescription.

Read | Cure for Psoriasis with the causes, symptoms, and prevention

Q. What are natural and easy home remedies to cure ringworm on the scalp?

As we have mentioned in the above article, the remedies focus on improving the problem from outside as well as inside the body. The application of coconut and camphor remedy will cure the itch of the top layer of the scalp. Whereas Triphala water intake will detoxify the blood which will automatically result in curing ringworm.

Q. Can ringworm from the skin spread to the scalp?

As ringworm is a contagious disease therefore it can spread rapidly from any area of the affected skin. It is advised to not scratch or touch the scalp with bare hands as it may as a carrier into your mouth and other areas.

Q. Does washing with bleach cure scalp ringworm?

Bleach can be effective in killing ringworm spores, but it should be handled with caution. The correct way to use bleach is by adding a 1:10 ratio of bleach and water. (Bleach 1 part & Water 10 parts) Only with proper dilution, it could be applied. However, before using it do a patch test to check the chances of irritability on your skin. 

Read | How to recover skin from decayed wound?

Q. Will scalp ringworm cause permanent hair loss?

Permanent hair loss is not a common phenomenon. However, the severe spread of ringworm infection with inflamed skin, it may lead to damaged follicles. If you did not treat it at an early stage then it may become permanent.

Q. Who is most likely at risk for scalp ringworm?

Scalp ringworm could be spread to anyone who doesn’t take proper skin and hair care. Therefore, it is advised, to maintain good hygiene and nutrition in the body by taking the following steps:

1. Do not use harsh chemicals on your hair.
2. Don’t use hair dryers and straighteners as they cause dryness to the scalp.
3. Wash your head regularly, (if not then thrice a week) with mild shampoo or homemade reetha shampoo.
4. Avoid sharing your personal items such as towel(s) or cloth(s).
5. Do not come in contact with infected animals.

Q. Does hair grow back after treating ringworm on the scalp?

Yes! Hair will grow back within six to twelve months after the treatment. You can cover your head with a scarf or hat whenever going out to hide the baldness. For quick growth, one can also apply castor oil (Just make sure to wash with warm water due to its thick consistency).  

Q. What are the medical requirements for scalp ringworm treatment?

Scalp Ringworm is difficult to treat as the doctor will ask you several treatments based on these questions: 

• Your age, general health, and medical background
• Severity of the condition
• Ringworm's location
• Your tolerance for particular medications, procedures, or therapies
• Prognosis for the condition's prognosis
• Your viewpoint or preference

Useful Links To Other Skin Ailments Information With DIY Remedies 

Read | Jock Itch: its causes, symptoms, and natural treatment(s)

Read | A complete guide to dry itchy skin with DIY home remedies

Read | How to treat skin scabies at home? know its symptoms, causes, and precautions

Ghar ka Baidya is dedicated to provide you all information on skin, hair, and beauty related topics completely and precisely. Please follow us on Linkedin, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to get the latest updates on social media platform(s) instantly. If you want answers to your questions, then write to us in the comments section.