Nits or dermatitis? (or other?) - brown scaly scabs and hair falling out

[louthomson]

My toddler has been complaining of an itchy scalp tonight, so I took a look and he has some small brown 'scabs' on his scalp, all in a patch of around 2 inches. When I picked one off, it caused him no pain but brought all the hair with it (pic attached).

I've had a look online and am wondering whether it's head lice or possibly toddler cradle cap - I can't see any other signs of lice, but don't have a special comb tonight. I'm freaking out a bit about the hair coming out, and wondered if anyone had similar experiences and could give me any advice?

Will happily take him to the doctor tomorrow, but don't really feel I should if it's just head lice...

Cradle cap does take hair with it, because the hair gets stuck. I can't see the stuff very well, but cradle cap tends to be pale, waxy. A bit like cornflakes but more transparent. Did they have cradle cap as a baby?

Thanks Fridaygap. No they didn't - and the scabs are darkish brown in colour and stick quite firmly to the scalp. Does feel quite waxy though

Ringworm?

Um. Not sure. Might be worth trying olive oil/special cradle cap oil anyway. Just chuck loads on the scaly bits and leave (I leave it overnight on my toddler) and then brush against the grain and see if it comes off?

Could it be ringworm?

Oh yikes, thanks guys - hadn't thought of that. Suspect it might be ringworm, having grossed myself out looking at Google Images! Will head to the chemist tomorrow and see what they say - and then I guess to the doctor's if they're not confident diagnosing.

@FridayGap, thanks for the oil tip, will try that if it looks like it's not clearing up...