Ringworm in children is fairly common between the ages of two and 10 years. According to the experts at Oregon Health and Science University, ringworm does not involve any actual worms. It is a fungal infection called "tinea" whose different forms can appear on the scalp, groin, feet, skin or nails. It's not hard to identify children's ringworm once you know what you're looking for. If you aren't confident of your diagnosis, there are ringworm diagnostic tests that your physician can do for you. Ringworm is very contagious, so the sooner you identify it, the better.
Step 1
Examine your child's scalp. According to an article on the Medline Plus website, tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is the most common form. It will present as in itchy, red patch of scaly skin shaped like a ring. Sometimes the center of the ring will be clear. The scaly patches are often dry, though they can also form blisters or ooze fluid.
Step 2
Look closely at your child's body for reddish patches of skin that are flat and round. The Directors of Health Promotion and Education state that body ringworm, or tinea corporis, shows up within four to 10 days after contact with an infected person or animal. It is not known how long after infection ringworm of the groin---known as tinea cruris, or jock itch---shows up. It usually appears more often in boys than in girls, and can be both itchy and painful.
Step 3
Examine your child's fingernails. According to the experts at Medline Plus, tinea unguium, or nail ringworm, presents as yellowish nails that are thick at the ends, are brittle and may even be crumbly.
Step 4
Look at your child's feet to identify tinea pedis, which is commonly known as athlete's foot. According to the experts at Oregon Science and Health University, this will show up as an itchy rash, whiter than usual skin between your child's toes and scaly skin or blisters.
Step 5
Take your child to a physician if you suspect that he has any kind of ringworm. According to an article on Medline Plus, a blue light called a Wood's lamp will make ringworm fluoresce, and the cells of skin scrapings taken from the scaly rashes can be identified under a microscope.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash any sheets and towels used by your child every day while he is infected to prevent the spread of the tinea fungus.
- Never leave ringworm unattended because it will not clear up on its own.
