Ringworm is a fungal infection transmitted from person to person, animal to person, object to person or soil to person, according to MayoClinic.com. The fungus microorganisms that cause ringworm live on the outer layer of the skin and cause a rash. Your child may get ringworm of the body or of the scalp, and the condition must be properly diagnosed to treat the infection. Fortunately, the rash created by ringworm has unique characteristics that make it easily identifiable. If there is question as to whether or not your diagnosis is correct, seek the help of your child's pediatrician.
Step 1
Inspect your child's skin for signs of a rash. If infected with the ringworm fungus, your child may display a scaly, peeling, cracking, itchy or red rash. When ringworm infects the body it mostly forms a rash on the trunk, but may also cause a rash in the groin area. If you suspect your child has come into contact with an animal or person infected with ringworm, inspect your child's entire body for signs of a rash. Make sure to inspect the groin area as well, especially if your child shows signs of itchiness or discomfort originating in the groin.
Step 2
Look for circular patterns on the skin to help identify the rash. The rash created by the ringworm fungus is distinct. Rather than forming bumps as most rashes do, the rash created by ringworm appears circular with red raised edges and a center of healthy skin that resembles an "O" shape, according to MayoClinic.com. The rings may get larger without treatment and separate patches of the rash may overlap. You may need to seek medical help to confirm the diagnosis of ringworm in your child or if the rash does not improve with home treatment.
Step 3
Inspect your child's scalp for hair loss and signs of infection. According to The Hospital for Sick Children's AboutKidsHealth website, children between the ages of 2 and 10 may suffer from ringworm of the scalp. Ringworm of the scalp results in hair loss in round patches, often with black or blond dots with a stubbled appearance caused by the breaking of hair at the surface. Your child's scalp may also be itchy and scaly.
