call your doctor if you suspect you have ringworm of the scalp or beard and: the skin on your scalp or beard area is scaling peeling itchy red or has swollen areas and bumps that look like blisters and that have pus. you have hair loss that occurs in patches. you have pain swelling redness tenderness or heat in the infected scalp or beard area. you have a fever of or higher with no other cause. your dandruff does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment with dandruff shampoo. watchful waiting symptoms such as flakes of dead skin on the scalp can be due to dandruff which should go away in about 2 weeks if treated with dandruff shampoos. but if the symptoms are due to ringworm of the scalp or beard you need to be treated with antifungal pills to completely destroy the fungi. who to see the following health professionals can diagnose and treat ringworm of the scalp or beard: family medicine physician pediatrician dermatologist nurse practitioner physician assistant internist to prepare for your appointment see the topic making the most of your appointment. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
i have or think i have ringworm of the scalp or beard when should i contact my doctor?