Although people of all ages can get ringworm, children are especially susceptible, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ringworm is a skin condition that's not caused by a worm, as its name implies, but by one of many types of fungi that can affect the body, scalp and feet. A pediatrician can advise you which ringworm treatment is most appropriate for your child.
About Ringworm
Ringworm is known in medical terms as a tinea infection, says the National Institutes of Health. On your child's body, it presents as raised, itchy, scaly patches with clear borders that are darker around the circumference of the lesion, giving it a ringlike appearance. Tinea infections can also affect the groin and feet, says the NIH. These are called jock itch and athlete's foot, respectively. The infection is caused by mold-like organisms called dematrophytes, which thrive in the cells of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. If your child has ringworm, he likely got it from a another person, since ringworm is contagious. However, ringworm can also be spread from contaminated personal items such as combs, clothing and shower surfaces, as well as animals, says the NIH.
Ringworm of the Body
Anti-fungal creams and powders can be purchased without a prescription to treat most tinea infections of the body, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. These are also helpful when treating athlete's foot, although a pediatrician may recommend a prescription cream for jock itch. Topical medications used to treat ringworm in children may include clotrimazole and ketoconazole. Your child's ringworm typically goes away in a few weeks with the right treatment, although the infection can return, according to the AAP.
Ringworm of the Scalp
If your child has ringworm of the scalp, over-the-counter anti-fungal topicals usually don't work, says the AAP. Your child's pediatrician may recommend a prescription oral medication called griseofulvin, which is taken for four to six weeks. The AAP also says that it may be beneficial to wash your child's hair with a selenium-based shampoo to prevent other family members from getting this type of ringworm.
At-home Care and Prevention
According to the Mayo Clinic, ringworm is hard to prevent. Your best weapon against infection is educating yourself and your child about how it's spread. Good hygiene is especially important. Have your child wash his hair frequently and keep his body clean and dry, especially the area between the toes, according to the AAP. Discourage your child from sharing personal items, such as brushes, caps, hats and hair bows. If the family pet shows signs of ringworm--patches of skin where the fur is missing--have the pet treated by a veterinarian promptly.
Other Tips
Ringworm is contagious. If your child has a tinea infection, he can pass it to other people. The South Dakota Department of Health advises you to keep a young child with ringworm at a safe distance from other children until the infection is treated and resolved. If you suspect your child needs to be treated for ringworm, the AAP advises first talking with his pediatrician.
