Treatment Overview

Ringworm of the scalp or beard is treated with antifungal pills in combination with antifungal shampoo or lotion.

Topical antifungal medicines, such as shampoos or lotions that you apply directly to the infected area, do not work when used alone because they cannot get deep enough into the infected hair shaft to kill fungi there. However, antifungal shampoo helps prevent spreading the fungus to other people, because it decreases fungal shedding from the scalp or beard area.

Doctors also recommend occasional use of antifungal shampoos for ringworm carriers, people who can spread the fungus but do not have ringworm symptoms. Often an adult becomes a carrier after exposure to an infected child.

What To Think About

Ringworm of the scalp or beard can come back after treatment has cleared the infection.

Ringworm of the scalp or beard can cause scarring and permanent hair loss.