What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and scalp. Although the rash is ring shaped, there are no worms in the infected skin. Ringworm occurs most commonly in children between age 2 and 10 and usually appears on their scalp or skin. Younger children and adults may also get ringworm.

Ringworm is spread by sharing combs, brushes, hats, pillows, and bath towels that have been used by infected people.

Your child also can be exposed to ringworm from close contact with an infected person, dog, or cat (usually at home or in a child care center).

What are the symptoms of ringworm?

Circular rash that has red, raised, scaly borders.

The rash usually is clear in the center.

The rash may be itchy.

Your child may lose hair in the area of the rash.

Home care

Your child should be evaluated in our office. Please call our office today for an appointment.

Treatment for skin infections:

Fill the cream prescription today or buy the appropriate over the counter antifungal cream.
Use the cream 3 times a day on and around the rash.
Itching should go away within one week.
The rash is slow to heal. It may take 2-3 weeks to show signs of healing.
Use the medication for the full length of time recommended by our office, even if the rash looks better or has gone away.
Not using the medication for the full length of time may result in the infection returning and becoming harder to treat.

Treatment for scalp infections:

Infection of the scalp involves the hair roots and requires a medicine by mouth (usually griseofulvin) to treat the infection.
Give griseofulvin by mouth as directed by the pharmacist.
Give griseofulvin with milk, ice cream, or other fatty foods to aid absorption.
Griseofulvin is usually taken for at least 6 weeks. Sometimes it takes several months to clear the infection so it is important to continue taking the medication for the full amount of time even if the rash looks better.
Not taking all of the medication could lead to the infection returning and becoming harder to treat.
Topical creams do not heal ringworm of the scalp. If directed, use a special shampoo to decrease the spread of the ringworm.
Undo braids so the shampoo can reach the scalp.
You do not have to shave your child’s hair off.
Do not expose your child’s head to the sun.

Your child can return to school once he has begun using the medication.

If your child is taking griseofulvin, be sure to make a two week follow-up appointment at the office.

Some pharmacies sell creams that help with itching. Please make sure that any cream you buy does not contain steroids (hydrocortisone) as they can make the infection worse.

Prevention

Infected people and animals spread ringworm. Avoid sharing combs, towels, hats or other hair devices used by infected people.

Teach your child not to share these items.

Wash towels, combs, etc. used by the infected person in hot soapy water on a daily basis.

Treat your infected pets.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child develops nausea or abdominal pain while on the medication, Call Our Office Now.

Your child’s scalp infection becomes redder, drains pus, or has a yellow crust, Call Our Office Now.

Your child develops a new rash after starting treatment, Call Our Office Now.

Your child has a red or purple rash that doesn’t turn pale briefly after pressing on it, Call Our Office Now.

Your child’s scalp is swollen or feels as if there is a collection of water under the skin, call our office for an appointment.

Your child’s rash is not better after 3 weeks of treatment, call our office for an appointment.

Other family members get a similar rash, call our office for an appointment.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.