Over 90% of the cases of ringworm of the scalp are caused by Trichophyton tonsurans, a fungus that infects the hairs and causes them to break. A worm does not cause ringworm. It is very important that you use selenium sulfide preparations strictly as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than recommended. Less than 10% of cases are caused by a fungus from infected animals, such as kittens and puppies. The animal-type of fungus causes more scalp irritation, redness, and scaling. If your child has the animal-type of fungus, he is not contagious to other children. How long does it last?

CLINICAL STRENGTH DRY SCALP RESCUE SHAMPOO - Head and Shoulders CLINICAL STRENGTH DRY SCALP RESCUE SHAMPOO - Head and Shoulders

Selenium sulfide is available as a 1% and 2.5% lotion and shampoo. Some commonly used brand names are Selsun®, Exsel® and Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment®. The main treatment for ringworm of the scalp is a prescription antifungal medicine taken by mouth. Give the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider. This medicine is best absorbed by the stomach if your child takes it with fatty foods such as milk or ice cream.Some children develop a kerion, which is a boggy (soft), tender swelling of the scalp that can drain pus. Kerions are an allergic reaction to the fungus, not a bacterial infection. They get better when you use antifungal medicine.

Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis) - Tufts Medical Center

If you wash your child’s hair with a nonprescription antifungal shampoo, he will be less contagious and able to return sooner to child care or school. A shampoo such as Nizoral or Head and Shoulders Intensive kills ringworm spores. Lather and leave it on your child’s scalp for 10 minutes before rinsing. Use the antifungal shampoo twice a week for 1 month. On other days, use a regular shampoo. Avoid putting any oil or ointment on the scalp because it increases contagiousness of the ringworm.

What are the side effects of selenium sulfide?

Ringworm of the scalp is not dangerous. Without treatment, however, hair loss and scaling may spread to other parts of the scalp. Do not use if your scalp or the skin to be treated is cut or scratched. Do not leave on hair, scalp or skin for periods longer than directed and ensure all selenium sulfide is rinsed off well. First and foremost, it's worth establishing the fact that both shampoos are intended to "control the symptoms of dandruff". What mainly sets them apart, though, is the difference between their active ingredients (with the Head & Shoulders Shampoo containing Zinc Pyrithione—or Piroctone Olamine in Europe—and the Selsun Blue Shampoo instead containing Selenium Sulfide). In essence, this comparison boils down to a question of "which anti-fungal ingredient works best against dandruff?", but there are a couple of other differences to explore first. Antifungal creams or ointments are not an effective treatment because they can’t reach the fungus deep in the hair roots. Children who get ringworm of the scalp are usually 2 to 10 years old. A positive microscope test (KOH prep) or fungus culture is needed to confirm the diagnosis. What is the cause?

Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment Shampoo 400ml

Returning to the topic of their active ingredients, there's no real contest between the two in terms of strength or efficacy since Selenium Sulfide (present in the Selsun Blue Shampoo) is far more potent than Zinc Pyrithione. This still leaves us with a bit of a decision, though, because Selenium Sulfide is overkill for mild cases of dandruff, to the point where it can actually cause irritation due to its strength if left on for too long (so much for that ALS vs SLS point!). Our recommendation would be to only opt for the Selsun Blue Shampoo if your dandruff looks or feels *severe*—in which case, it's also worth knowing that the alternative Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength range includes Selenium Sulfide. Use 1% or 2.5% shampoo twice a week for the first 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2, 3 or 4 weeks, and then only when necessary Low strength selenium sulfide preparations are available from your pharmacy or supermarket. In some countries, higher strength preparations are only available on a doctor's prescription. How to use selenium sulfide preparations The Head & Shoulders Classic Clean would almost certainly be the better choice to keep *mild* flakiness and dandruff at bay (due to its weaker—but still effective—active ingredient), and for most people this will be the case. It offers 72 hour protection from flakes, dryness, and itchiness, and is suitable for regular use. Head & Shoulders also happens to be the #1 shampoo brand in the world (*according to P&G), so you know that you're in safe hands whenever you invest in their hair care products. It does not help to shave your child’s hair, give him a close haircut, or force him to wear a protective skull cap. This has no health benefit and will make your child self-conscious.In 6 weeks return to your healthcare provider’s office to be certain the ringworm has been cured. If the ringworm is not yet cured, your child will need to take a different medicine.