What is ringworm in children?

Ringworm is a type of skin infection caused by a fungus. It looks like a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin. There are several types of ringworm. You can get ringworm of the skin, scalp, or nails. Athlete's foot and jock itch are types of ringworm infections.

What causes ringworm in a child?

A ringworm infection is not caused by an actual worm. It is caused by fungi on the skin, hair, and nails called dermatophytes. Different types of dermatophytes affect different parts of the body.

What increases the risk for getting ringworm?

Children may be at risk for ringworm if they:

• Use shared bathrooms or locker rooms.

• Play contact sports, such as wrestling.

• Live in a warm climate.

• Have contact with other children or pets that have ringworm.

• Have a weak immune system because of illness or medicines.

• Have poor hygiene.

• Are malnourished.

What are the symptoms of ringworm in a child?

The symptoms of ringworm vary depending on which part of the body is affected. The most common types of ringworm are listed below.

How is ringworm diagnosed in a child?

Ringworm is often diagnosed based on a health history and physical exam of your child. Your child's doctor may also do a culture or skin scraping of the rash to be sure that it's ringworm.

How is ringworm treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the location and how severe the condition is. Fungi can live a long time on the skin, so ringworm is likely to come back. Treatment may need to be repeated.

Treatment for ringworm of the body, groin, or foot is often an antifungal cream or pill taken by mouth. The length of the treatment depends on the location of the ringworm.

Treatment for scalp ringworm may include:

• Antifungal medicine taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. Some children may need longer treatment. Creams, lotions, and powders do not work on scalp ringworm.

• Special shampoo to help get rid of the fungus. Shampoos can't replace the oral medicine. But you can use shampoo in addition to them.

If your child has a kerion or a bacterial infection, they may also need steroids or other medicines.

Ringworm of the nails can be hard to cure. It is often treated with antifungal medicine taken by mouth for many months.

Good handwashing is critical to managing ringworm. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after treating your child's ringworm. Use soap and clean, running water. Also, teach your child how and when to wash their hands.

If your child got ringworm from an animal, the animal will need treatment too.

What are possible complications of ringworm in a child?

Ringworm rarely has serious complications.

What can you do to prevent ringworm in your child?

Ringworm can be prevented by:

• Having good hygiene.

• Frequent handwashing.

• Not wearing other people's hats or clothing.

• Keeping feet dry.

• Staying away from someone who has ringworm.

When should you contact your child's doctor?

Contact your child's doctor if:

• You are unsure if your child has ringworm.

• You think your child has ringworm of the scalp or nails. The medicine for these must be prescribed by a doctor.

• Your child has a weakened immune system and may have ringworm.

Key points about ringworm in children

• Ringworm is a type of skin infection. It looks like a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin.

• Ringworm infection is not caused by an actual worm but by fungi on the skin, hair, and nail beds.

• The symptoms of ringworm vary depending on the type of fungus and which part of the body is affected. Most cause itching.

• Ringworm is often diagnosed based on a health history and physical exam of your child.

• Most ringworm infections are treated with medicines that you apply to the skin. But ringworm of the scalp and nails needs a prescribed antifungal medicine that your child takes by mouth.

• It's important to wash your hands before and after treating ringworm.

• If the ringworm is from an animal, the animal will need treatment too.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s doctor:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions the doctor gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s doctor after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.