What Is Tinea Capitis?

By kara

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918
• 2. Bergen, T. (2019, March 7). Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis) (999335125 771118940 C. Cobb DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Ed.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/tinea-capitis
• 3. Tinea Capitis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/tinea-capitis

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8. How Is Tinea Capitis Treated?

Doctors typically prescribe two types of treatments for tinea capitis. The patient should wash his or her hair with a medicated shampoo and take an oral anti-fungal medication. The shampoo does not treat symptoms, but it removes spores of the fungus from the hair. This helps to prevent the fungal infection from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people.¹Ringworm (scalp). (2018, March 07). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-scalp/symptoms-causes/syc-20354918

The patient may need to take anti-fungal medication by mouth for up to eight weeks. Fatty foods, such as yogurt, cheese, ice cream, or whole milk, help with the absorption of the medication by the body.³Tinea Capitis. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/tinea-capitis Peanut butter may also help. Side effects of the medications include allergic reactions, headache, or upset stomach.²Bergen, T. (2019, March 7). Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis) (999335125 771118940 C. Cobb DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Ed.). Retrieved October 21, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/tinea-capitis Doctors should discuss these with their patients.