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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Posted on Mon, 25 May 2015
Question: My coworker informed me that she has ringworm..she had it on three places on her leg and in her scalp. She has had it for over a month..she thought she had a dry scalp and itchy dry skin..now she has exposed me. We share the same phone..computer and desk. I am upset she did not go to the doc sooner..the doc has her on anti fungal oral meds..tonight my scalp looked a little red..I am worried about getting the ringworm. What are my chances of getting it..how can I prevent getting it..do you see these often in adults..please advice thanks!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I suggest a possibility of seborrheic dermatitis rather than ringworm

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have understood it.

Most likely you have a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis.
Scalp seborrheic dermatitis usually presents with dull red erythema, itching and scaling on scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious.

A yeast, 'malassezia furfur', rather than the fungus that causes ringworm, is commonly implicated in Seborrheic dermatitis.
I suggest you to use an OTC antifungal shampoo e.g Nizoral shampoo. It contains 1% ketoconazole.
You may use it every alternate days.
Lather it well into the scalp and leave it on to act for 5-7 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Ringworm of scalp Or tinea capitis is uncommon in adults. Tinea capitis is more common in children.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)
What about the ringworm infection of my coworker..how contagious is it..she is taking anti fungal oral meds now..she has ringworm lesions on her leg and red scaly scalp..can I catch this
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Just maintain a good hygiene; wash hands regularly.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Ringworm is contagious.
In fact the ringworm fungus is ubiquitous and is commonly present in one's surroundings.
However, not everyone would develop infection. Infection is more common in summers. Sweat, moisture, heat and humidity favor fungal growth.
Body's own immunity is also important defense against fungal infection. A weak immune system favors infection e.g patients who have diabetes Or HIV are at risk
You just need to just maintain a good hygiene. Wash you hands frequently. May use an antifungal soap for bath.
Now that she is already on antifungals so that would also kill the fungus and a good thing.
Make sure the room and surroundings are cleaned daily and thoroughly.
I don't think you should worry about catching an infection so easily from her just by being around her.
If ringworm was so contagious almost all dermatologists in this world would have got ringworm infection repeatedly from there patients.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)
Thanks so much Doctor!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Brief Answer: I suggest a possibility of seborrheic dermatitis rather than ringworm Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thank you for writing to us I have gone through your query and I have understood it. Most likely you have a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp seborrheic dermatitis usually presents with dull red erythema, itching and scaling on scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. A yeast, 'malassezia furfur', rather than the fungus that causes ringworm, is commonly implicated in Seborrheic dermatitis. I suggest you to use an OTC antifungal shampoo e.g Nizoral shampoo. It contains 1% ketoconazole. You may use it every alternate days. Lather it well into the scalp and leave it on to act for 5-7 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Ringworm of scalp Or tinea capitis is uncommon in adults. Tinea capitis is more common in children. Regards