Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious infection. It's most common in toddlers and school-age children. Tinea capitis is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the body (tinea corporis).

Understanding the Context

Medication taken by mouth can kill the fungus that causes ringworm of the scalp. Medicated shampoos may help keep a person from spreading the infection to others. Most illnesses cannot jump between humans and dogs. However, there is a select few that, if you're not careful, can cross from one to the other.

Key Insights

These are the kinds of illnesses you can give to your ... AOL: The Most Contagious Dog Diseases a Vet Wants You to Know About Dog owners often worry about ticks or fleas, but contagious diseases can sneak in from much more ordinary places, like shared water bowls, city parks, and even your neighbor’s lawn. Some of the most ... The Most Contagious Dog Diseases a Vet Wants You to Know About Question: I was watching the evening news on television a few days ago and someone from the Humane Society was talking about crusty circular round lesions on a dog being ringworm. That is exactly what ...

Final Thoughts

Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks. For ringworm, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What might be causing the signs and symptoms? Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?

What is the best treatment? Is this condition temporary or chronic? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own?