Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect the skin or scalp. The tinea fungus, which causes other fungal infections like athlete's foot and jock itch, causes the rash. Ringworm got its name because it causes circular, raised lesions that resemble a worm, but no worm is actually present. With treatment, the infection will clear up and your child's skin will return to normal.
Symptoms
Ringworm may start as a round patch of pink skin. The infection then spreads out in a circle, leaving a normal patch of skin in the middle of a red, scaly ring. The patches are usually 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size, according to Seattle Children's Hospital. The patches may appear on your child's skin or scalp. When ringworm involves the scalp, the child commonly loses hair in the infected areas. Wherever ringworm appears, it frequently causes itching.
Treatment
Over-the-counter antifungal cream may be enough to eliminate a mild ringworm infection of the skin. Apply the cream to the patches and 1 inch beyond the border of each patch until the infection clears up, recommends Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Once the skin returns to normal, continue applying the cream for one week to prevent reinfection. Prescription oral antifungal medications are needed to clear up ringworm of the scalp, and treatment for this kind of ringworm can take weeks or longer.
Prevention
Children often get ringworm from pets, according to Seattle Children's Hospital. Do not let your child play with animals that have signs of hair loss, and have any pets with hair loss examined and treated by a veterinarian. The fungus that causes ringworm can also be transmitted from person to person or, in some cases, from damp surfaces. Have children wear shoes in public areas, and keep the skin clean and dry to discourage the growth of fungus, recommends the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Considerations
If the rash continues to spread after one week of treatment, or if it lasts longer than four weeks, have a doctor examine your child. He may need more aggressive treatment, or he may have something other than ringworm. Always see a doctor for suspected ringworm of the scalp. Ringworm is only considered mildly contagious, and it is not contagious at all after 48 hours of treatment. A child with ringworm does not have to miss school or other activities unless he is involved in sports that require skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling. Ringworm caught from an animal cannot be transmitted from human to human, according to Seattle Children's Hospital.
Warning
Encourage your child to avoid scratching the rash, which could break the skin and lead to infection. If your child develops signs of a secondary infection, such as pus drainage or increased redness or warmth in the affected area, seek medical attention.
