Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious infection. It's most common in toddlers and school-age children. Tinea capitis is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the body (tinea corporis).

Understanding the Context

Medication taken by mouth can kill the fungus that causes ringworm of the scalp. Medicated shampoos may help keep a person from spreading the infection to others. Description Ketoconazole is used to treat infections caused by a fungus or yeast. It works by killing the fungus or yeast or preventing its growth.

Key Insights

Ketoconazole cream is used to treat: Athlete's foot (tinea pedis; ringworm of the foot); Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis); Ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch); Seborrheic dermatitis; "Sun fungus" (tinea versicolor; pityriasis ... Tribune Online on MSN: How to treat ringworm, fungal infections common in wet season High humidity during Nigeria’s rainy season creates ideal conditions for fungal skin infections to spread rapidly. Ringworm (dermatophytosis), athlete’s foot and similar infections thrive in warm, ... Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.

Final Thoughts

Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks. For ringworm, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What might be causing the signs and symptoms? Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? What is the best treatment? Is this condition temporary or chronic?

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own? Treatment for ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription-strength antifungal medication taken by mouth. The first-choice medication is usually griseofulvin (Gris-Peg).