haven't posted in a really REALLT long time, if anyone remembers me.....
anyway i recently found that i have a case of ringworm on my scalp (been given anti-biotics), i know in some cases that can lead to hair loss, anyone know how common this actually is?
i finally got my hair down to lower back, i don't particuarly feel like loosing it now, the doctor actually sugested i buzz it off and use the cream treatments, i know this board really isnt the same as medical advice, but anyone have any experiences or advice to share?
I've had ringworm on the scalp. Make sure you get the oral anti-fungal treatment, the topical one doesn't work too well on the scalp, as the fungus is embedded too much in the hair (use both oral and topical for best effect though). Took several months for it to cure though, good luck with yours.
Did you have long hair at the time this occurred? And if so, did you have to shave your hair off? Cactus Jack would probably like to also hear your experience re. this issue as well...
Thanks in advance!
- Ken
At that time I didn't have long hair, and I didn't shave it off. It might be worse with long hair, as the fungus is contagious, and it can be contagious to yourself, and longer hair may propagate the fungus more (but if you take the oral medication, this wouldn't be an issue).
What a scarey & terrible-sounding bummer, --- YIKES!!
I know nothing at all about ringworm, neither do I pretend to be able to give any medical advise; but this one comment is all I have to say, so please take my discalimer into consideration when I say it...
The vast majority of the male humanoid population of this planet for some reason have no emotional attachment to their own or another's long hair. So, my guess is that the kind doctor who suggested you shave your head is thinking in terms like this is as easy for you to do as changing your underwear, --- which, to those of us that come here to this site, it ISN'T.
So, my thoughts re. what I'd do if I were in your shoes are: unless he can give you a really substantial MEDICAL REASON for doing so, I'd keep your hair for as long as possible! Unless you yourself become bothered leaving it long during this process of curing the ringworm, why not see if your hair stays intact during this medical procedure?
My best to you, whatever you decide to do. And my deepest sympathy over having to deal with this difficult condition, --- and hope you get well real SOON!!!
Sincerely,
Ken in San Francisco
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ringworm_on_scalp/page6_em.htm
Hello,
If you follow what is in the link above, you will see that head shaving is not necessary. Your doctor may not like long hair and wants to use his authority to scare you into shaving your head.
Have a nice day,
Georges
Ringworm Treatment
If you look at the followup section it says the hair has to completely grow out, so in my case i'd have to stay on the medication for at least six years .....
I doubt that is true, as the fungus would stay close to the scalp. I think by 'completely growing out', they mean an inch or so, just to make sure that the hair is growing out. A few months is probably the total healing time.
I know a guy who got it on his forehead.
Consider yourself lucky. ;)