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Warning-sign checks

Ringworm of the scalp: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, collapse, or swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat after taking medicine.

    A widespread blistering or peeling rash also requires emergency assessment.

    These may be signs of a serious medicine reaction rather than the scalp infection itself.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if there is:

    • A tender, soft, or boggy scalp swelling
    • Pus, heavy crusting, or rapidly increasing inflammation
    • Fever, worsening pain, or redness spreading beyond the patch
    • New areas of hair loss during treatment
    • No clear improvement after the expected treatment period
    • Symptoms returning after treatment ends
    • A suspected household, school, or childcare outbreak
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you or your child has unexplained scalp scaling with broken hairs or patchy hair loss.

    Assessment is important because scalp ringworm usually needs prescription oral treatment and can resemble other conditions.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ringworm of the scalp. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.