Ringworm, scalp flaking, or dandruff?

Dandruff commonly produces loose flakes and an itchy scalp without patches of broken hair. Seborrheic dermatitis can add redness and greasy scale around the scalp, eyebrows, ears, or nose. Scalp ringworm is a fungal infection that may cause discrete scaly areas, broken hairs, hair loss, or inflamed swelling. It can spread through close contact and shared combs or hats. Flaky scalp is a symptom seen in several conditions, so the flaking itself cannot identify ringworm.

Do not share combs, brushes, hats, towels, or pillowcases while the cause is unclear. Arrange a medical assessment if there is patchy hair loss, broken hair, scalp tenderness, or spread beyond the usual flaky areas. A clinician may recommend oral treatment for scalp ringworm; medicated shampoo may be part of a plan to reduce spread but may not replace medicine that reaches the hair. Explore [Dandruff](/conditions/dandruff/), [Seborrheic Dermatitis](/conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/), [Medicated Shampoo Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/medicated-shampoo-therapy/), and [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/).

Arrange prompt review for scalp flaking with hair loss, broken hairs, painful swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly increasing redness. Seek advice when an itchy or flaky scalp persists despite appropriate dandruff care, because another diagnosis may need treatment. See [Itchy Scalp](/symptoms/itchy-scalp/) and [Flaky Scalp](/symptoms/scalp-flaking/) for symptom language.

Ask whether the scalp needs testing, whether hair loss is from inflammation or another cause, how to use shampoo safely, and whether family members or pets should be checked for fungal infection.