A contagious fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts. It’s common in school-age kids and causes scaly patches, hair loss, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes.
How it spreads
- Close contact, shared hats/brushes, or contaminated surfaces.
- Pets (especially kittens/puppies) can be a source.
Signs and symptoms
- Scaly patches with hair breakage (“black dots”).
- Round bald spots; sometimes itchy.
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Severe form: boggy, pus-filled swelling (kerion)—urgent care needed to prevent scarring.
Diagnosis
- Clinician exam; may gently pluck hairs for lab tests.
- Sometimes a Wood’s lamp is used (certain species glow green).
Treatment
- Needs prescription oral antifungal (shampoo alone is not enough):
- Griseofulvin or terbinafine are common choices for several weeks.
- Antifungal shampoo (ketoconazole or selenium sulfide) 2–3 times weekly helps reduce spread (family members can use it too).
- Check pets if recurring.
School and prevention
- Your child can usually return to school after treatment starts.
- Don’t share combs, hats, or hair accessories; wash bedding and brushes.