Hair Care Tips - Scalp Care to Prevent Ringworm Disease

There seem to be some confusion about the real cause of ringworm infection, especially among those who suffer the scalp problem for the first time. In reality, ringworm is a fungal infection that affects nails, skin and scalp. It is a rather common skin disease and about 20 percent of the population suffer may this disease, during any given time period. Unlike what many seem to believe, worms don't cause scalp ringworm. Dermatophytes are mold-like fungi and they are commonly present in the soil and skin of people and animal. These tiny creatures feast upon dead skin cells shed by our outer skin layer and they thrive in dirty, humid and warm environment. An infection is more likely to happen when the fungi start to multiply very rapidly and invade opening on our scalp like scratches or small cuts.

Ringworm usually starts as minute protrusions on our scalp and they eventually grow in size and take on a reddish coloring. These spots are usually very itchy and many sufferers find it irresistible to scratch them. Any direct physical attempt to reduce discomforts and itchiness can introduce new opening in our scalp, which can spread the infection and make the discomforts get worse. As the ringworm infection widens, the disease forms ring-like area with flaky edges that encloses healthy-looking skin. In children, hairless spots may appear on the infected area of the scalp, it's important to do hair care properly and choose hair care products that best fit your hair and scalp.

Preventing Scalp Ringworm

Luckily, there are ways to prevent ringworm, so that we don't have to waste time and money on treatments. These steps are especially important if you live with someone with scalp ringworm:

• Wash your hands: Clean your hands thoroughly after handling plants, soil and animals. You don't want any lingering fungi and bacteria to get smeared onto your scalp.
• Watch what you touch: Don't touch the hair of people with scalp problems. You'll never know where they could pick up the diseases and for all you know they could have scalp ringworm infection.
• Shower more often: If it appears that there is an outbreak of scalp ringworm in your neighborhood, you should wash your hair each day with antiseptic shampoo. It is far less likely for the fungi to make clean scalp a home. You should wash your hair and take a shower 30 minutes after playing a sport, because your scalp is likely wet with sweat, which offers some nutrients that can sustain fungal growth.
• Never share anything: You shouldn't share sheets, towels, hats and clothing, if you want to avoid getting scalp ringworm. During an outbreak, ringworm fungi can be present almost anywhere. Unless you know a person well, you shouldn't share anything with him/her.
• Wear shoes: Feet and scalp are located far from one another, but it is possible to get scalp ringworm if your feet are dirty. Just count how many times you rub your feet and hair eassssssch day. Never walk barefoot if you step outside of your home. Clean your shoes and socks regularly to remove any trace of ringworm fungi. Dirty shoes and socks can become a source of fungal infection instead of protecting you. Fungi are unlikely to grow on dry and clean surface.

Treating scalp ringworm

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, it is still quite likely to suffer from this disease, because scalp ringworm is highly contagious. These scalp care products can help to cure ringworm infections:

• Prepare a paste made from raw papaya and rub it directly on the affected area on your scalp. Certain substances in papaya can be effective in killing the fungi and preventing them from spreading.
• Prepare a paste of ground mustard seed and apply it twice a day on the ringworm.

However if you don't see any improvements, schedule a visit to your doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe a special shampoo that contains selenium sulfide. Some hair may fall off, however they should grow back after the ringworm is gone.