Although the name sounds like a worm, ringworm is not actually a worm, it is a fungal infection of the scalp or skin. It gets its name from the ring or rings that it may produce on the skin. According to Kids Health, ringworm is easy to diagnose and treat. You should contact your doctor if you feel your child may be infected.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, nails and scalp. Ringworm of the scalp is most common in children, causing itchy, red and bald-looking patches on the scalp. Symptoms include round patches of scaly skin on the scalp that slowly expand. Other symptoms are scaly, gray or reddened areas, fragile or brittle hair that easily pulls out and tender areas of the scalp.
Causes
Ringworm is caused by microorganisms that become parasites on the body. These parasites attack the outer layer of skin on the scalp and invade the hair shaft, causing it to break. Ringworm spreads easily from direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, contact with objects that an infected person has touched and by petting an infected animal.
Medical Treatment
Two medications approved for treating ringworm of the scalp include griseofulvin, which is taken as a liquid or tablet by mouth, and terbinafine hydrochloride, an oral granule medication that can be sprinkled on food. These medications are taken for six weeks or more. According to MayoClinic.com, these medications are more effective than medication applied directly to the scalp.
Other Treatment
Other treatment for ringworm of the scalp is to wash your infant's hair with a medicated shampoo that contains selenium sulfide. This will kill the ringworm spores and prevent them from spreading to other people or other areas of your child's scalp or body. Using this shampoo, you should lather your child's head and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing it out. This shampoo should be used two to three times a week for a month.
Prevention
According to MayoClinic.com, ringworm is difficult to prevent because the fungus that causes ringworm is common and contagious long before symptoms appear. To reduce your child's risk you should shampoo your child's hair regularly, keep his hands clean and avoid infected animals. Animals that have ringworms usually have a patch of fur missing.
