Ringworm in hair images: what to know

A fungal infection around hair-bearing skin may cause round or irregular scaly patches, broken hairs, dark dots where hairs have snapped, or areas of thinning. Redness can be subtle on darker skin. Similar images may occur with psoriasis, eczema, bacterial infection or traction from hairstyles. Look for change over time rather than relying on one image, and avoid sharing combs, hats or pillowcases while the cause is unclear.

Take clear photographs in good light for your appointment, showing both the close-up and the surrounding scalp. Do not scratch, shave, or apply steroid mixtures simply to improve the appearance. Wash combs, brushes, hats and bedding that touch the area, and do not share them. A clinician may inspect the scalp and hairs and decide whether a suitable topical antifungal is useful for nearby skin. Read about [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/).

Seek prompt care if there is tenderness, pus, marked swelling, fever, swollen neck glands, or rapidly increasing hair loss. Arrange an assessment for a child with a suspicious scalp patch, for spreading scaling, or when the image changes but the rash does not settle. Scalp infection may need [Oral Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antifungal-therapy/) because creams may not reach infected hair roots.

What features in this image support ringworm rather than eczema? Do the hairs look broken at the scalp? Is testing needed? Should family members be checked? Which items need cleaning?