ringworm...my son has it on the back of his head can i wash his hair?

Question

can anyone also tell me anything about ringworm...how you catch it etc please.

Answer 1

It's caused by a fungus called tinea, it's very common. You need a medication to get rid of the infection and prevent it from spreading. There are lots of options, including pills, creams, and using Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide-containing) shampoo. I don't believe the antifungal creams available OTC are recommended for treating ringworm of the scalp. Ideally you'd get a prescription antifungal pill from the doctor. This is especially important since you might not notice other ringworm rashes under his hair... Selenuim sulfide containing shampoos (used for dandruff!) also help kill fungi on the scalp, so if you're going to shampoo his hair that would be a good choice to help kill it and prevent it from spreading.

It can be spread by direct contact with the rash, or even indirect contact... But the fungus is very common, it usually lives harmlessly on the skin and it's not guaranteed you'll get an infection from it even if you do touch it directly! If you're shampooing his hair the soap and water that's washing over everything (even if you use regular shampoo) should help prevent it from spreading. Wash your hands afterwards as well. General basic hygiene including washing skin that comes in contact with the ringworm and washing clothes/bedding in the "hot" cycle should stop it from spreading. Though once he's on medication for a couple days he'll be much less contagious!

Answer 2

Fast Ringworm Cure?

Answer 3

Ringworm on the scalp inside the hairline will not respond to topical creams. He needs to be on an oral anti-fungal to get rid of it.
You can wash his hair, but make sure no one else uses his towel, and be sure you are washing his pillow cases and towels in hot water, preferably with bleach, to get rid of the fungus.
It's very contagious, and it will spread and cause a growing bald spot if not treated properly.

To whomever gave me the thumbs down, you need to do some research.

Answer 4

Ringworm is like a fungus, not an actual "worm". Cats, and possibly other pets that have ringworm can pass it on to humans. My cat had ringworm, and the vet prescribed a messy cream which did no good whatsover. I was able to treat this nasty problem by applying diluted clorine bleach to her areas. You will have to do the same with your son after shampooing his hair, and no, it will not hurt to wash his hair, but you will have to be persistant about applying the diluted bleach. This dilute solution also works for athlete's foot, another disgusting fungal condition. Bottomline.......bleach, plain ole laundry bleach, kills fungus. I have even used it on my mildrewy flowers in the summer that are prone to fungal diseases :)
Good luck and God bless you and your precious son!

Answer 5

At age three they are pushing their limits - seeing what they can get away with . However, the easiet way is to make it fun! They also have harmless colored shampoos for kids that might make it more fun. Give him a mirror and spike his hair up! Let him wear swim googles for the shampoo. RInsing with a bucket always helped too! It made it look more like play time. Also let him pour the water on his own head- it gives him more control and that is what he is after. Good luck!

Answer 6

Yes you can catch it but if he has it on his scalp use an antifungal cream to get rid of it. YOu can wash his hair. Be sure it is ringworm though and not seborrheic dermatitis. If you are not sure see your doc for the correct diagnosis.

Answer 7

It is caused by fungus and spread by direct contact. Clotrimazole at any local drug store will treat it. To wash your son's hair I would recommend using some rubber gloves, which you can also get at a drugstore.

Answer 8

Sorry I can not provide much help, but I got it from my cat as a kid, but it was on my leg. My mother taped garlic to my skin, and it cleared it up. Garlic is a miracle worker for everything. It is a fungus and is passed by skin to skin contact. I would take your child to the doctor.

Answer 9

Yes u can, but you need a special shampoo from the pharmasist! You catch ring-worms from other people! You'll have to go to the pharmacist they will help you out and tell u what to do and use! Also, you can resaerch it on google or yahoo or whatever about it!