Ringworm (scalp)

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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Tests for ringworm of the scalp typically include a visual exam. Sometimes, your doctor may take a sample of hair or skin.

  • Visual exam. Your doctor can often make a diagnosis of ringworm or another condition affecting the scalp based on a visual examination of the scalp and your answers to questions.
  • Skin or hair sample. Your doctor may take a sample — hairs, a swab from the scalp or hair, or a scraping of scaly skin — for examination under a microscope, which can reveal the presence of fungi. If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects ringworm, a sample may be sent to a lab for further testing.

Your doctor may also order additional tests if your child's condition doesn't respond to treatment.

Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. Goldstein AO, et al. Dermatophyte (tinea) infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 17, 2010.
  2. Andrews MD, et al. Common tinea infections in children. American Family Physician. 2008;77:1415.
  3. Levy M, et al. Dermatophytes and other superficial fungi. In: Long S, et al., eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/226852420-3/1084137919/1679/259.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50258-7--cesec1_4588. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  4. Ringworm and animals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/ringworm.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  5. Dermatophytes (ringworm). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/dermatophytes/. Accessed Nov. 16, 2010.
  6. Andrews RM, et al. Skin disorders, including pyoderma, scabies, and tinea infections. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:1421.
  7. Griseofulvin. National Center for Biotechnology Information. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000641. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
  8. Terbinafine. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/lexicomp/terbinafine.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2010.
DS00892 Jan. 29, 2011

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