Ringworm

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One or more ring-shaped spots caused by a fungus
Has a rough edge and clearing of the center

Symptoms of Ringworm

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
Often only on one side of the face or body
Mildly itchy

Cause

An infection of the skin caused by a fungus. It is not caused by a worm.
Can often be spread to humans from puppies or kittens that have it. Pet rodents also can carry it.
Rarely, can be spread human-to-human. It needs direct skin contact to be passed this way. An exception is that ringworm can occur often among wrestlers. This is because of close body contact during matches.
Sometimes, caused by fungus in the soil.

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Pus is draining from the rash
Tick bite within the last month and new onset of "ringworm"

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

Scalp is involved
More than 3 spots are present
Child is a wrestler
Rash gets bigger or spreads after 1 week on treatment
Rash lasts more than 4 weeks
You think your child needs to be seen
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Mild ringworm

Care Advice for Ringworm

What You Should Know About Ringworm:

Ringworm is a fungus infection of the skin.
Often it's caught from puppies or kittens that have it.
Here is some care advice that should help.

Anti-Fungal Cream:

Use an anti-fungal cream (such as Lotrimin AF) 2 times per day. No prescription is needed.
Put it on the rash and 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond its borders.
Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.

Return to School:

Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school for ringworm.
Sometimes, ringworm of the skin can be passed on to others. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact.
Ringworm from pets is not passed from human to human. It is only passed from animal to human.
After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all.
Wrestlers: can return to wrestling after 3 days of treatment. Continue treatment until gone.

What to Expect:

It goes away in 3 to 4 weeks.
If it comes back, suspect the household puppy or kitten.
Take your animal to the vet for an exam and treatment.

Call Your Doctor If:

Rash gets bigger or spreads after 1 week on treatment
Rash is not gone by 4 weeks
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse

Care Advice for Ringworm

This is a picture of ringworm. The area is round and pink. It has a raised, rough scaly border. The ring slowly grows in size. It is often slightly itchy.

This is caused by a fungus, not a worm. It can be passed from person to person. If you notice a rash like this, contact your doctor for treatment.

This is a picture of ringworm. The area is round and pink. It has a raised, rough scaly border. The ring slowly grows in size. It is often slightly itchy.

This is caused by a fungus, not a worm. It can be passed from person to person. If you notice a rash like this, contact your doctor for treatment.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

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