Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin also known as tinea. We provide information and advice about the signs and symptoms, treatments, risks and complications of ringworm in children.
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What causes ringworm?
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm! It is a fungal infection also known as tinea. (Tinea comes from a mould-like group of fungi called dermatophytes). Ringworm gets its name because it appears as a circle or oval shape - on either the scalp or the body.
This article will explain the signs and symptoms of the infection, the treatment and how you can help your child with ringworm.
Because ringworm is contagious it needs prompt treatment and the infected child’s towels, combs, brushes and bed linen need to be kept separate from others in the family. Other family members also need to be checked to see if they have ringworm. Outbreaks of ringworm will often happen at a school or childcare centre.
Ringworm occurs in children most commonly between 3 – 7 years old and more commonly in boys than girls. Ringworm is caught from contact with a person already infected, from living in crowded conditions, from cats and dogs, or from touching something that the infected person or animal has touched. Though it is rare, ringworm can also be picked up from the soil.
Ringworm appears around 4 – 14 days after first contact with the fungus. It should clear within a month of being treated.
Tinea or ringworm also causes `jock itch’ in the groin of adolescent boys and men, and athletes foot which traditionally shows up between the toes.
What are the signs and symptoms of ringworm?
- Small round/oval scaly patches in the hair or on the body – may first look like a pimple
- Rough, reddened borders to the circle with white patch inside
- The outer rim of circle is made up of little bumps
- On the scalp the hair over the ringworm may be missing, broken or short
- In severe cases the ringworm patch can be inflamed and crusted
What is the treatment for ringworm?
- See your doctor
- Application of antifungal cream to treat or cure the ringworm
- Scalp ringworm rash may also require an oral antifungal medication
- Wash pyjamas and bedclothes daily while your child is being treated
Risk & complications of ringworm
- If you have a pet in your household, your children are at increased risk of contracting ringworm.
- If ringworm is not properly treated it can persist and cause an infection that is hard to get rid of
- It can easily be spread to other parts of the body and to other people
- Development of secondary skin infections, which will need to be treated by your doctor
What can I do for my child with ringworm?
- Teach your child good hygiene – regular hand washing, not sharing clothes or combs
- Ensure your pet receives treatment for ringworm
- Keep your child away from the pet while both are being treated
- Teach your children to always wash their hands after touching animals
- Teach your child not to kiss pets and never to handle animal faeces
- Keep animals healthy
- Keep animals out of bedrooms and off beds and furniture
- Tea tree oil is a good all-round preventative for fungal type conditions – add it to bathwater, to the clothes wash and use it when washing animals
Animals that can pass ringworm to humans include:
- Cats – especially kittens
- Dogs – especially puppies
- Horses
- Goats
- Pigs
- Cows
Helpful Articles
For information on other Rashes/Skin Conditions click here
Head Lice are another common problem in school age children, click here for some great advice
Kimberley Paterson is a writer and public relations expert living in Whangaparoa.
Kimberley had an initial career as a registered nurse and has spent the last 20 years writing about health and well being.
Article Ringworm written by Kimberley Paterson.