Kids with ringworm on the scalp have one or more scaly patches. Ringworm is caused by a type of germ called a fungus (it isn't caused by a worm, but the ring around the rash can look like one). It can spread to other people and to other parts of the body. 

Ringworm of the scalp is treated with a prescription medicine taken by mouth. It takes up to 3 months of treatment for ringworm to go away. Hair loss often happens in the ringworm patches, but it usually grows back after treatment.

• Give medicines exactly as prescribed by the health care provider. For ringworm to fully go away, your child needs to take the medicine for weeks to months. Do not stop the medicine early, even if the patches look better, or the ringworm may come back.
• If griseofulvin was prescribed, have your child take it with fatty food like ice cream, cheese, or peanut butter. This helps it work better.
• Your child can go to school after starting treatment.
• To prevent the spread of scalp ringworm to others:
  • Have your child use an antifungal shampoo twice a week.
  • Disinfect hairbrushes, hair trimming equipment, and barrettes and other hair accessories after each use with a dilute bleach solution until the ringworm is gone. To make the bleach solution, mix 4 teaspoons (20 ml) of bleach to 32 ounces (475 ml) of room temperature water.
  • Teach your child to avoid sharing combs, brushes, hair accessories, pillows, hats, or helmets.
  • Help your child avoid picking at or scratching the ringworm.
  • Have your child wash their hands well and often with soap and water.
  • Don't let your child play sports where there is head-to-head contact (such as wrestling).
  • Machine wash your child's towels in hot, soapy water after each use.
  • Machine wash your child's sheets and pillowcases in hot, soapy water every 2 days until treatment is finished, if possible.
• If your health care provider recommends it:
  • Have family members and pets checked for ringworm.
  • Have family members use an antifungal shampoo even if they don't seem to have ringworm. Some people can have the ringworm fungus without any signs of the infection. They may spread ringworm without even knowing it.
  • Have your child continue to use antifungal shampoo after treatment is over.
• Schedule all follow-up visits and lab tests as instructed by your health care provider.

• The ringworm doesn't start to get better in 7–10 days.
• Your child can't or won't take the medicine.
• Your child gets a rash somewhere else on the body.
• The infected skin looks redder or starts to ooze.
• Your child has a headache or is vomiting (this could be a reaction to the medicine).

How do you get ringworm of the scalp? Some people get it from using a brush, towel, hat, or helmet from someone who is infected. You can also get it from touching ringworm on someone else's head or body.

What is a kerion? A kerion is when swelling, irritation, and pus develop in the scalp ringworm patch. It usually gets better with the medicine given for ringworm. Sometimes, doctors prescribe another medicine to help reduce the swelling and irritation.

How is ringworm diagnosed? Health care providers usually can diagnose ringworm by looking at it. Sometimes, they send a bit of the scaly skin to the lab to check for the fungus.

How can I prevent my child from getting ringworm again? First, make sure your child takes all the medicine exactly as directed so the ringworm doesn't come back. Ringworm can happen on the head or body. To prevent all forms of ringworm, teach your child to:

• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Wash well with soap and shampoo after any sport that involves skin-to-skin contact.
• Wear loose clothing and change socks and underwear at least once a day.
• Avoid sharing clothing, hats, sports equipment, helmets, towels, brushes, and other personal items.
• Wear flip-flops when walking in a shower stall, locker room, or pool area.