Tinea Capitis Treatment at Home

Tinea capitis can cause itching, scale, broken hairs, tender areas, bald patches, or swollen bumps. The infection can pass through shared combs, hats, pillows, towels, and close contact. Other scalp problems can look similar, so a clinician may examine hairs or skin before choosing treatment.

A shampoo can reduce surface spores and support treatment, but it may not reach infection within the hair shaft by itself. Learn more about [Scalp Ringworm](/conditions/scalp-ringworm/), [Bald Patches](/symptoms/bald-patches/), and [Hair Loss](/symptoms/hair-loss/).

Do not share combs, brushes, hats, towels, or bedding. Wash washable items, clean grooming tools as directed, and check household members or pets if a clinician suspects a shared source. Use prescribed medicine exactly as directed and do not stop when itching improves.

A [Medicated Shampoo Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/medicated-shampoo-therapy/) may be included, while many cases also need [Oral Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antifungal-therapy/). Avoid steroid cream or unlabelled remedies on the scalp unless specifically advised.

Arrange medical review for new scalp scaling with hair loss, painful swelling, pus, crusting, fever, or a spreading rash. Seek prompt care if a child develops a tender boggy swelling or rapidly enlarging bald area, because inflammation can threaten follicles.

Ask whether the scalp needs testing, whether close contacts or pets should be checked, how to use the shampoo, how long oral treatment may be needed, and when school, sport, or shared grooming can safely resume.