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Ringworm


Ringworm Rash on Arm


Ringworm Rash on Leg

Definition

  • Fungal skin infection causing 1 or more ring-shaped spots

Symptoms

  • Round pink patch
  • Clearing of the center as the patch grows
  • Raised, rough, scaly border
  • Usually ½ to 1 inch (12 -25 mm) in size
  • Ring slowly increases in size
  • Mildly itchy

Cause

  • A fungus infection of the skin often transmitted from puppies or kittens who have it.
  • Less commonly transmitted human-to-human because if requires direct skin contact.  An exception is that an epidemic from ringworm can occur among wrestlers because of close body contact during matches.
  • Occasionally transmitted from fungus in the soil.

Return to School

  • Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school for ringworm.

When to call your doctor

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

  • Pus is draining from the rash

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Scalp is involved
  • More than 3 spots are present
  • Teen is a wrestler
  • Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment
  • Rash lasts longer than 4 weeks
  • You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

  • Mild ringworm and you don't think your child needs to be seen

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR RINGWORM

  1. Antifungal Cream:
    • Use Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream (no prescription needed) 2 times per day.
    • Apply it to the rash and 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond its borders.
    • Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.
  2. Contagiousness:
    • Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school for ringworm.
    • Ringworm of the skin is mildly contagious. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact.
    • The type acquired from pets is not transmitted from human to human, only from animal to human.
    • After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm is not contagious at all.
    • Wrestlers, however, should avoid all wrestling until evaluated by your child's doctor.
  3. Expected Course: It clears completely in 3 to 4 weeks. For any recurrences, suspect the household puppy or kitten and take it to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
  4. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment
    • Rash is not cleared by 4 weeks
    • Your child becomes worse
Author: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last reviewed: 9/15/2011
Last revised: 8/1/2011 1:48:25 PM

Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.