Despite its name, ringworm isn't a disease caused by any kind of worm. It is actually a type of fungal skin infection that falls under the collective name of tinea. Although anyone can develop ringworm, children suffer from these infections far more often than adults. Ringworm is highly contagious and easily spreads among people.
Types
Children typically develop ringworm infections on the body, called tinea corporis, or the scalp, which is known as tinea capitis. Some kids develop tinea pedis, or athlete's foot. Less common among children is jock itch, or tinea cruris, which is a ringworm infection in the groin area. Children often have several ringworm patches develop at the same time.
Symptoms
The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, reports that common ringworm symptoms include large, scaly patches of skin that have raised, ringed borders. The ring is usually red, while the skin inside of the ring is a normal shade. These scaly patches typically itch and sometimes turn into oozing blisters. Scalp infections generally cause a child to lose hair, creating bald patches in the infected area. The scalp might also look swollen and feel tender. Athlete's foot generally causes scaly patches to form between the toes, while jock itch causes an itchy, red rash to develop in the groin area.
Causes
Ringworm skin infections are caused by the dermatophytes fungus, which thrives in moist, warm areas. Kids Health explains that this fungus naturally lives on human hair, nails and skin. While some animals also carry this fungus, most kids pick up infections from other humans. The ringworm infection can be spread by using the combs, brushes, clothing, sports gear and towels also used by a contaminated person. Children can also pick up the fungus from pool surfaces, shower stall seats and locker room floors. Ringworm infections are more likely to form in injured skin and areas often wet from sweat.
Treatments
Ringworm infections can usually be successfully treated at home with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and lotions designed to treat athlete's foot. More severe ringworm infections might need anti-fungal pills prescribed by a doctor. The UMMC reports that ringworm typically responds well to home treatment within one month. Keep treating your child for two to four weeks after the symptoms have cleared up to ensure the fungus is gone. Make sure your child's skin stays clean and dry to speed up the healing process.
Complications
If ringworm infections are not treated quickly and properly, the affected area can crack and become infected with various bacteria. These bacterial infections will need to be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Children with impaired immune symptoms, such as those with cancer or diabetes, have an increased risk of developing ringworm.
