Ringworm Redux
Immigration patterns and increased global travel have brought new strains of ringworm into the country. The scalp infection now affects some 15 percent of American children under age 10. UAB dermatologist Boni Elewski, M.D., says ringworm (tinea capitas) "is the most common pediatric fungal infection worldwide and has had a three-fold U.S. increase in a decade." It's frequent in day care settings and frequently found among high school athletes, particularly wrestlers. Braiding and other cultural grooming habits provide favorable conditions for the infection. Ringworm often mimics other conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis or area-specific hair loss. "Ringworm should be suspected in any child older than 3 months with a scaly scalp. Untreated, severe scarring and permanent hair loss may result."
Contact Hank Black, Media Relations, 205-934-8938 or [email protected].
###
RSS