MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ringworm of the scalp

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Ringworm of the scalp

A fungal infection of the scalp by mold-like fungi is called tinea capitis. Tinea capitis (also called ringworm of the scalp) is a skin disorder that affects children almost exclusively. It can be persistent and very contagious. Symptoms may consist of itching, scaly, inflamed balding areas on the scalp. Oral antifungal medications are required to treat the infection.

Update Date: 9/14/2006

Updated by: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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