How Hair Loss Occurs in Patches: All You Need to Know About Ringworm



The loss of an average of 150 strands per day is considered normal as part of the natural hair growth cycle. However, if hair loss exceeds 150 hair strands per day, this may be the result of many factors including environmental factors such as styling by exposure to excessive heat, excessive chemical care treatments, and even seasonal changes. Over time, these external factors can damage the structure of the hair strand, resulting in breakage and hair loss. Sometimes these spills are in the form of patches. Ringworm disease causes hair loss characterized by patches.

Ringworm, or medicinally known as alopecia areata, is a disease characterized by the sudden loss of a person’s hair or other hairs such as eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard in a short time in the shape of patches. When it occurs on the scalp, it manifests itself with round or oval-shaped balding areas that are easily visible from the outside. After a while, hair grows again in balding areas or new lesions develop. Ringworm occurs mainly in young people. 70 to 80 of every 100 people affected by the disease are under the age of 40.



Autoimmune diseases occur when the body recognizes its own cells and tissues as foreign. As a result, the immune system attacks the person’s own cells. In ringworm, immune cells attack the hair follicles, stopping the hair growth and causing hair loss. Studies show that ringworm is also associated with genetic factors. The risk of developing this condition in a child of a parent with ringworm is approximately 3 to 6 times higher than in the normal population. Again, some diseases can be seen with ringworm and this supports the effect of genetic factors. Some of these diseases are;

  • Eczema
  • Chronic inflammatory thyroid disease
  • Addison’s disease
  • Psoriasis
  • Hay fever
  • Atopic allergic asthma
  • Vitiligo
  • Lupus

Ringworm symptoms are characteristic and present with one or more smooth, oval, and hairless areas of the scalp. The skin in the affected area is healthy and there is no inflammation of the skin. Hair loss usually starts on the scalp. However, all types of the scalp, including eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, beard, and pubic hair, can be affected by ringworm, and changes in nail structure may occur. The clinical picture is variable and differs from person to person. The course of the disease is unpredictable and sometimes chronically recurrent. Spontaneous recovery, stabilization, or worsening of course may occur during the illness.

When the hair grows back in the bald area, it is usually pigment-free, ie white at first. Since the symptoms of ringworm are quite typical, the diagnosis is mostly made by the patients and their relatives before going to the doctor. However, in some cases ringworm, hair fungus can interfere. For a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. Your doctor will first question your symptoms and check your hair loss degree. He tries to confirm the diagnosis by examining a few hair samples under a microscope. If necessary, a piece is taken for a definitive diagnosis and an examination is made in pathology.



Ringworm treatment is planned by a dermatologist. The aim of treatment is to stop the progression of the disease and to reduce the severity of the symptoms. In some mild and early-stage cases, the hair grows back on its own without any treatment. In the more advanced stages or in the presence of severe symptoms, steroid group drugs are used in the treatment. Steroids are primarily applied in cream form. In the next stages, depending on the situation, it can be applied to the scalp with an injector.

Eye contour applications require attention as they may be risky for eye health. Alopecia areata can be treated with drugs other than the steroid group and a different method called immunotherapy. If you complain of alopecia-like hair loss, it is important that you apply to a dermatologist and be examined and treated in order to prevent the disease from progressing.

Ringworm in General: Hair Loss in Patches


Ringworm is a hair loss disease that starts suddenly in the hair and beards and often forms round bald areas. Ringworm is an immune system (autoimmune) disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system sees its own cells as foreign and begins to fight them in an unknown way. As a result, cells called lymphocytes around the hair follicles begin to secrete chemicals called cytokines, which causes hair loss.

Ringworm is defined as hair loss. As the pores on the surface of the skin where the hair follicles are located become inefficient, the hairs begin to fall out in a circular fashion, and clumps of gaps are formed. In other words, ringworm does not only harm the health of the hair but also creates negative psychological effects by causing the external appearance to be negatively affected. At this point, there is such a dilemma that stress is experienced as hair loses due to ringworm, the effect of ringworm increases due to this stress and begins to lose more hair.



We can say with regret that a treatment method that can be a definitive solution to this disease has not been found yet. The disease can heal spontaneously over time. Injecting cortisone in the balding area can accelerate the growth of hair. This treatment is known as an intralesional cortisone injection. The regrowth of hair is seen only at the injection site. However, if the hair starts to grow, additional injections help the hair to grow.

Many different alternative methods are used in the treatment of the disease. But the results of these treatments are variable. In the treatment called immunotherapy, a substance that can cause an allergic reaction in a low concentration is applied to the area where an allergic reaction is poured and allergic contact dermatitis is formed. Diphenylcyclopropenone is often used for this purpose. Unfortunately, this treatment is irritating and uncomfortable, often causing enlarged lymph nodes.

There is no reliable treatment method in case of widespread hair loss but some treatments may be applied. However, these treatments have some side effects. Ringworm can be uncomfortable but can be treated to some extent. Early intervention is important to prevent the infection from spreading to others. Ringworm treatment methods include the following:



  • Creams

Creams used to eliminate ringworm contain cortisone and can make it possible to achieve much better results if used at the beginning of the disease. As can be understood from here, early diagnosis and rapid intervention are extremely important in the treatment of ringworm. Since the creams used to remedy the ringworm problem can cause some side effects due to the cortisone they contain, it should only be applied to the problem area carefully. As long as it is acted in accordance with the use recommended by the doctor, it is not possible to encounter a severe side effect.

  • Injection

If the hair loss due to ringworm has spread beyond the problematic area and started to progress, the problem is tried to be solved by injecting cortisone under the skin. If ringworm does not occur due to a genetic factor, the injection method is usually applied and this method requires long-term treatment. The patient should continue the treatment process patiently without interrupting the applications until the treatment is over.

  • Medicines

Drug treatment comes into play for ringworm problems that cannot be solved with injection and cream. Drug treatments, which are not preferred much because they generally have more severe side effects than others, produce solutions for ringworm, while also causing complications in certain parts of the body. Because it is a frequently recurring health problem, ringworm requires long-term treatment, and the doctor may increase or decrease the dose of the drugs from time to time.

  • Puva

If ringworm does not disappear despite all attempts, the Puva method is used. Ringworm is expected to pass overtime after the drugs injected with ultraviolet rays are applied to the problem area. In case of overdose, it is not a highly preferred method as serious damage to the skin may occur.



  • Garlic application

Ringworm is a disease that can be solved with herbal treatment. The most commonly used herb in the treatment of ringworm is garlic. Beat three cloves of garlic, add a few drops of alcohol and rub the mixture on the problem area. Try this app regularly. Of course, it is not right to be content with this application, do not neglect to see a doctor.

Causes of ringworm include:

  • Hereditary Factors

Genetic factors are among the biggest causes of ringworm at the stage of formation, as in many diseases. If you have a family history of ringworm, you are 25% more likely to get this disease than other people. As such, you need to be more careful to protect your hair and hair health.

  • A weak immune system

The immune system must be as strong as possible in order for the body to react harder against external threats and protect the body health. Therefore, as the immune system weakens, many diseases can easily spread to the body and various problems may be encountered. In addition, some diseases weaken the immune system and the system becomes unable to fulfill its many functions. In such a situation, with the weakening of the immune system, the white blood cells fight the cells in the hair follicles and may cause these cells to die. For this reason, there is a serious loss of hair. If the necessary treatment is not carried out quickly, it will be much more difficult for the hair follicles to regenerate themselves.

  • Stress

One of the biggest problems of today is undoubtedly stress. But stress is such a problem that it not only affects psychologically but can also harm the healthy functioning of the body and cause a wide variety of diseases. Stress, which negatively affects the hormone balance of the body, can cause unwanted changes in the body. Ringworm usually occurs due to stress after a depressive situation or severe trauma.



One of the main causes of ringworm, which is generally seen under the age of 20, is stress. Ringworm may be one of the physiological problems that children who do not lead a very happy life in the family and social environment since childhood. Ensuring that children with a high tendency to stress relax about exams and other issues will be effective in keeping them away from these types of diseases.

  • Thyroid

Any problem that occurs in the thyroid glands, which have extremely important functions for the body, spreads to other parts of the body in a very short time and negatively affects the healthy functioning of the body. Any problem in the thyroid glands can be the cause of many diseases, especially goiter. Thyroid problems can cause anemia problems as well as ringworm problems.

More Information on Ringworm


Some drugs used for the treatment of any disease can cause hair loss by making a ringworm effect on the body. If these drugs are not taken for a vital condition, they are considered as a side effect and are replaced by a different drug that has the same effect by the doctor. However, if the drug has a vital function and another drug to be substituted does not show the same effect, the patient may have to use this drug despite its ringworm effect.

Healthy eating not only positively affects the internal functioning of the body, but also positively affects the appearance and hair. Hair loss may occur in case of an unhealthy diet, consuming foods harmful to the body, or not getting enough vitamins and minerals required for the body through food. In general, such situations are noticed at the beginning of ringworm and the patient is aimed to regain his old health by changing the eating habits.



In a study conducted by Columbia University, a 75% success rate was observed in the treatment of “ruxolitinib” active ingredient in patients with ringworm. After the treatment, the rate of hair regrowth in patients with ringworm increased by 92%. In the statement made by the researchers, he stated that JAK inhibitors provide an effective treatment for ringworm disease. Ringworm affects men and women equally and can be seen at all ages. Not only in the form of hair loss, but also in body hair. There is no treatment for this disease that will completely regenerate hair yet, but researchers continue to work on the treatment of ringworm disease.

For any disease, the duration of treatment cannot be given precisely because factors such as the progression level of the disease, the patient’s body, and treatment methods may affect this period. Determinants such as hair structure, genetic predisposition, and age also affect the treatment process in ringworm. In general, treatment takes shorter in patients who have a strong immune system but are exposed to ringworm due to stress. In children and adolescents, recovery is expected within 6 months.

Ringworm (tinea corporis) is an infection of the skin caused by small fungal spores that grow in the dead outer layers of your skin. Any sport is contagious as long as it is alive. This means it can spread to other parts of your body or in contact with other people, even if you are receiving treatment. It is best to treat it.



Ringworm infection can occur almost anywhere in the body and has different names depending on which part of the body it affects. Ringworm is a superficial fungal infection that does not cause disease below the skin’s surface. Ringworm symptoms are as follows:

  • Itchy skin
  • Red, scaly, or cracked skin
  • An annular rash (named after ringworm)
  • Hair loss in the affected area (if there is hair)

Ringworm typically begins as red or pink skin patches (or blemishes) that can be flat or slightly raised. In this initial stage, the sores can be moist, but more often they are dry, scaly, and itchy.

How to Treat Ringworm, the Hair Loss in Patches


Ringworm, which spreads very quickly, causes permanent hair loss in case of delay in treatment. So, how is ringworm treatment done? How long does ringworm take to pass? It is possible for ringworm fungi to survive as spores in the soil for a long time. It can infect humans and animals after direct contact with this soil. Infection can also be spread through contact with infected animals or people. The infection often spreads among children by sharing items that contain the fungus.



Ringworm is a skin disease that can be treated. When the treatment is started, it is aimed to destroy the forming fungi that cause ringworm first. This process is possible with drugs in powder, tablet, or cream form, which are generally used as fungicides. These types of drugs are usually applied to the area where ringworm is seen. Medicines in the form of tablets are the most commonly used and preferred treatment methods. Needle therapy is also among the commonly used treatment methods in ringworm disease.

Treatment can be supported by taking the support of herbal sprays that support the hair follicles and the herbs themselves. Regarding the treatment process in ringworm; Factors such as how far the disease progresses, the patient’s body and treatment methods affect the duration. In addition, factors such as hair structure, genetic predisposition, and age have a great effect. In general, the treatment period is shorter in patients with a strong immune system but exposed to ringworm due to stress. Ringworm can be expected to heal within 6 months in children and teenagers.

Intense Stress Causes Ringworm


Today, stress, which is the trigger of many diseases, also causes ringworm. Experts stated that the most important cause of ringworm is psychosomatic and that people who experience intense distress, sadness, and stress develop hair growth in certain areas. Experts also stated that the patient suddenly noticed these focal spills. Explaining that the reason for the increase in ringworm cases is the increase in the number of people who consult physicians due to this ailment, experts stated that people used to treat themselves, especially in rural areas.

Human tissue normally does not react to itself, but tolerance is impaired in ringworm. The body perceives its own hair follicles as foreign, sends antibodies to them and the hair begins to fall out. Usually, the scalp, beard, and sometimes eyebrows are discharged due to loss. The reason is 90 percent psychological. It occurs after very stressful periods such as illness, distress, tension, trauma, and the loss of a relative. Family history and genetic factors are very influential. When the disease starts at an early age, especially when the back of the head and the upper part of the ears are involved, it becomes more resistant to hair-breaking treatments in the presence of allergic diseases such as asthma and hay fever.



Ringworm, although rare, can sometimes be associated with some serious diseases such as thyroid diseases, vitiligo, and connective tissue diseases. Therefore, when the patient comes, we request some screening tests, if necessary, in the light of the examination findings. Because the body can react to its own hair follicles to other organs. However, these are very unlikely. Generally, the cause of the disease is psychological, sometimes there can be a vicious circle. Psychological factors trigger the disease and have a negative effect on the mental state of the patient with ringworm. Psychosocial support and psychiatric consultations gain importance in resistant cases.

Alopecia areata affects black hair more, especially in middle-aged people, white hair is more resistant to shedding. When the patient arrives, we do the examination, if the hair loss is in a limited area, in the first stage, usually cortisone is injected by diluting the scalp in certain amounts and if necessary, this treatment repeated once a month according to the clinical response received. Or doctors go straight to cortisone creams. These are generally good for the patient. After the treatment, first, the thin hairs that we call ‘Vellus’ come, then these become thick and turn into normal hair.



Different treatments should be applied in severe and progressive cases. Even if you do nothing, this hair loss returns to normal after a certain period of time. 30-50 percent of patients recover spontaneously within a year. However, you cannot do anything and wait, because the disease causes anxiety and can lead to significant psychological problems when it spreads. After severe febrile diseases and intense weight-loss diets, sometimes very rapid hair loss is seen due to thyroid diseases. When a patient with hair loss comes, the reasons should be investigated first.

In addition to iron deficiency, the use of drugs (birth control pills, some blood pressure drugs) may cause hair loss, including thyroid diseases, internal organ diseases, connective tissue diseases, and even syphilis. In short, hair falls out after all serious illnesses. Also, stress has an effect. In some women, experts emphasized that “male pattern hair loss-pattern alopecia can be seen even at a very early age. In such cases, hair loss accompanying hair loss, prolonged acne, oily skin, and menstrual irregularity are referred to the endocrinology specialist. There is no complete and clear treatment for male pattern hair loss in women yet. This is a genetic condition. “

Psychological Causes of Ringworm


Experts state that 90 percent of ringworm is caused by psychological factors, and 30 percent of patients can return to normal within a year without any effort. According to researches, events such as sadness, mourning, breakups, accidents trigger ringworm. The disease, which threatens young people, in particular, causes hair loss in the scalp, beard area, eyebrows, and eyelashes and is more common in those under 20 years of age. Ringworm is a skin disease caused by fungi. Although it is called ringworm, the fungi that cause this disease can cause fungal infections in the hair, skin, nails, and toes.

Particular attention should be paid to the comb used by the patient with ringworm. It is to stay away from products and not use them. Ringworm is examined in 2 different ways, male and female. The female ringworm is faster and stronger in spreading than the male. Male ringworm, on the other hand, is slower in spreading and the areas it affects are less than the female. Ringworm disease can be seen in anyone without exception. However, it can occur more frequently and easily in children and adolescents than in older people. The biggest reason for this is that the body is weaker and more sensitive.



If we answer the question of how ringworm is transmitted, it can be easily transferred from a patient with a fungal infection to the other body, or if we use the products we have just mentioned, it can be easily transmitted. It is known that the carrier is contaminated by some products that are difficult to clean such as scissors, nail clippers, and knives.

Stating that thyroid problems and anemia are more common in patients with ringworm, experts underlined that these problems exacerbate ringworm. The weakening of the immune system caused by sadness can lead to ringworm. 60 percent of our patients who come with ringworm complaints are young people under the age of 20. In ringworm, hairless areas in the form of patches or coins are seen on the scalp. In ringworm, there is rarely hair loss on the entire scalp. Sometimes it is seen as hair loss on the whole body. The disease is not contagious. It is not related to vitamin deficiency or dietary habits.

Herbal Solutions to Ringworm Problem


Hair loss in round shapes with scalp appearance is called “ringworm” among the people. Known as “alopecia areata” in medical language, there are many factors that cause this disease. Congenital predisposition, various diseases, and stress are some of these factors. Otherwise, the disease itself can create stress. Because every negative change in physical appearance can turn into a source of tension in life. Ringworm, which causes more problems in women due to aesthetic concerns, can occur due to stress as well as in situations such as childbirth and breastfeeding.

For women, hair is something that adds meaning to the face. Women almost pay a fortune to get features such as brightness and fullness. When there are serious problems such as ringworm in the hair, especially young people experience more sadness and become obsessed with it. Ringworm in the hair of a young person poses a serious problem in this aspect as it negatively affects the image. Herbal therapy for this ailment goes back to ancient Greek societies. For example, such a natural recipe emerged in ancient Egypt. He points out that magic formulas were found in papyri to solve the hair problems of the ancient Egyptian people. Today, we use nature more for ringworm. The effect created by the extracts obtained from medicinal plants produces a solution without side effects. The solution of “Alopecia Areata” is possible thanks to herbal extracts.



So, how can we benefit from nature to regain lost hair? Today, the attitude of benefiting from nature has passed through various stages and gained a modern framework. The effect created by the extracts obtained from medicinal plants produces a solution without side effects. Sometimes, some hormones that have negative effects on human hair can cause hair loss. It is possible to benefit from nature for not only ringworm but also many problems like these. Hair problems can be eliminated with the help of some herbs and herbal extracts containing all the necessary substances for hair.

Effects such as hair shedding and thinning are also seen in many people. There are many reasons for these problems such as inflammatory diseases, iron, protein, zinc deficiency, or thyroid. Pregnancy, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, anemia, excessive diet for weight loss can also shed hair strands. As a result of stress, serious hair loss can also be experienced. It has been revealed that hair loss affects emotions such as a sense of self, body image, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Shedding of approximately 100-150 hair per day is considered normal. Spills above this number are a sign of a problem. In such a case, it is absolutely necessary to admit that it is time to see a specialist.

Best Shampoos Against Ringworm That You Can Buy Online












Savaş Ateş

I'm a hair loss expert. The picture was taken 10 years ago :) I have been losing my hair. So I started to learn everything about hair loss and hair transplants. I contacted a lot of hair transplant doctors. We shared our experiences. I'm writing blog posts for people who have the potential of losing their hair. I give some tips about hair transplants and medical issues too.

Recent Posts