red spots on scalp

[concernedparent1946]

My 13 year old son washed hi hair today and I was looking at his scalp and discovered red spot. on his temple area there is a round ringworm looking spot about the size of dime coin.   That prompted me to look further and on the other temple and behind ear were tow more similar.  On the rest of his scalp were many smaller spots and a few large ones. I have never seen these before.  Is this something that can become serious and should I be more concerned?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the description of the symptoms,it looks like tinea capitis or ringworm scalp.It is a very common fungal infection among children and teenagers throughout the world. The disease is considered to be a form of superficial mycosis or dermatophytosis.

Fungal spores can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, fallen infected hairs, or fomites, which are contaminated objects.The specific pattern depends on the infecting organisms.Diagnosed by wood lamp examination,microscopic examination of the skin scrapings and culture of the scalp scrapings.
Also consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

I hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Mostly fungus of hairy area,would respond to internal antifungal antbiotic after getting a woods lamp, which can view the fungus in color.Otherwise a scraping for fungus test easy and simple like the other.