Ringworm of the Scalp Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of tinea capitis include:

• Itching of the scalp (not always present)
• Bald patches
• Possibly areas with swelling, sores, or irritated skin

If not properly treated, it may cause permanent hair loss and scarring.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your child may need to be referred to a specialist. A dermatologist focuses on skin issues.

The diagnosis is often made with close inspection of the scalp. If the diagnosis is uncertain, the doctor may scrape your child’s scalp or clip a few hairs for testing.

Tests on the sample may include:

• Microscopic examination
• Fungal culture