Fungus can infect the scalp and result in redness, itching, dry skin, and pus. Ringworm, otherwise called tinea capitis, is the most common fungal infection that affects the scalp. The fungus can enter the scalp through a cut or break. It can result in scalp blisters, ulcers, redness, and pain.
All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.
I have red itchy dry skin on my head. What could be the reason behind that?
Query: Hello doctor, I have some red things on my head accompanied by dry skin, which also feels itchy. What can this be? Kindly advise me on the same. Thank you. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for the query. It may be due to irritation, allergies, or fungal infections. Maintaining hygiene is essential. Do not use harsh soaps or shampoo, or dyes. Take antihistamines like Cetirizine if you feel too itchy. Consult your dermatologist for further exa... Read Full »
I am a 20-year-old with round pus-filled baldness on the left side of my head. What is it?
Query: Hello doctor, When I was about six years old, I went to a barbershop and got a contagious thing on my head that lasted years. I was too small to know what it was, but I remember it was some form of fungus (circle shaped, full of pus, baldness). It took a long to get it removed by a dermatologist. So... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. "Circle ball-shaped" lesion filled with liquid on the left side of the head, as per your description, can be 1. Pilar cyst. 2. Tinea capitis. 3. Cystic hidradenoma. 4. Abscess. 5. Eccrine spiradenoma, sweat gland growth. 6. Hidrocystoma... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor,I have a fungal infection in my head and beard. As a result, I have constant scalp itching, and a layer like dandruff is separated from the scalp, with severe redness and irritation. I had taken a six-month antifungal treatment, and with that, the symptoms reduced initially, but after s... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Kindly attach your clinical picture along with your query so that it will be convenient for me to comment on your condition and suggest the appropriate medications. I cannot suggest you any medication without seeing your clinical picture. First, let me give you some ... Read Full »
Ongoing through the photo, mention whether my son has a ringworm infection.
Query: Hi doctor,mI believe that my 6 year old son has ringworm infection. It started out small and then within a few days has gotten larger. I have attached the photo for your reference. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I just read your query and saw your attachment (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Yes, you are right. It does appear to be a ringworm infection of the scalp called as tinea capitis. I suggest that you have a culture of the skin scrapings or microbi... Read Full »
I noticed an itchy, raised and hard lesion on my scalp. What is that?
Query: Hi doctor, I noticed a scalp lesion two months ago. It is a bit scaly if scratched, hard and raised. I would like to peel it off, but it is not getting removed. But, I did not notice any hair loss. Other than a little bit of itching of the scalp, there is no issue. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. It can be scalp psoriasis or warts. Please send me a photo to diagnose the condition and suggest you treatment. Revert with the photos to a dermatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist Read Full »
I have a scaly patch on my scalp which does not go away. Please advise.
Query: Hello doctor, I have been suffering from a chronic 3 cm patch on my scalp, which has scales in it. If I remove these scales, gum-like liquid forms in that area and it dries to form the scales again. It reduces if I tonsure my hair and increases with hair growth. I do not have similar patches anywher... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is a partially treated lesion. From your description, your scaly scalp could be seborrhea or psoriatic plaque. An autoimmune disorder has probably caused it. Investigations to be done: Fasting lipid. Hepatitis B and C serology. Skin biopsy. Scraping for fungus. I su... Read Full »
I have fungal infection of scalp, dandruff, and hairfall with rheumatoid arthritis. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I have fungal infection on the scalp, a lot of dandruff, and hair loss at the top of the head. I have existing rheumatoid arthritis and consuming Sazo DS and Nucoxia 120 for it. I recently lost weight by dieting. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. From the picture you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it looks like you have male pattern hair loss (MPHL). You also complain of dandruff and fungal infection of the scalp. I will need more pictures and detailed history to comment on tha... Read Full »
As Lamisil has terrifying side effects, please suggest an alternate for scalp ringworm.
Query: Hello doctor, My 5-year-old daughter has scalp ringworm. I am using head and shoulders intense medicated shampoo and topical 2% Ketoconazole antifungal cream. Her doctor also prescribed an oral antifungal Lamisil packets granules 125 mg to be taken in food for a month. I am terrified of giving my 5... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Scalp ringworm infection stays for a longer time. Topical ketoconazole cream is good. The oral medication prescribed is also good for the infection. There are a few alternatives. Any medicine carries some side effects along with it. We need to weigh the benefit and ... Read Full »
What causes a bald patch on the head of a 2 year old?
Query: Hi doctor, My 2 year old daughter has a bald patch on head. It is oval in shape with no hair in it. It is getting bigger time to time. I am waiting for her blood test appointment now. What is this condition called? How to cure it? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I presume it as tinea capitis or simply a fungal infection of the scalp. Do not worry, hair can regrow again and there is no permanent damage. It is common in children. It is very important to start the following early for best results: Stop oiling the scalp. Oil is ... Read Full »
I have itchy scalp. Is it folliculitis?
Query: Hello doctor, I hope you will read it thoroughly and answer every query. I am a 30 years old male. It all started with itchy scalp ten months back this summer. But, I was not concerned much, since it was just itchy and some bumps like mosquito bites (not more than two to three) and some swelling as... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have checked your photos (attachments removed to protect patient identity). It is better you go for haircut and shave or trim beard. It may be due to folliculitis or fungal infection by the description. You can get it examined by a doctor or dermatologist for physic... Read Full »