BABY AND CHILDHOOD SKIN DISORDERS: RINGWORM OF THE SCALP
Circular areas of baldness may occur in the scalp, alerting parents that a tinea infection is probably present. The affected area is red and scaling. It is common in children, and may have been contracted from playing with other children with a similar infection, or from handling household pets. Often the rings are obvious, and a parent's guess may prove correct. Diagnosis may be confirmed by the doctor by examining the ring under Wood's light.
Treatment
Scalp hygiene is always worthwhile. Regular washing and shampooing is a good idea. There is no need to clip the hair short, as was common in earlier times. Resist granny's suggestions that this be done. It is emotionally upsetting, and brands the hapless patient as suffering from some foul contagion. Such actions are both barbarous and unnecessary.
To start with, application of the old-time remedy, Whitfield's ointment (at half-strength), is worth trying. Applying tolnaftate solution 1 per cent (Tinaderm or Tinacidin—one drop rubbed well in two to three times a day) is often effective. If this does not work after several days, then the doctor may prescribe the antibiotic griseofulvins. Take exactly as prescribed. As it takes a while for the antibiotic to be absorbed and deposited in the upper skin layers, be patient, and don't expect miracles overnight—it takes time. But it is usually effective if simple measures fail.
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General Health
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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