Community Health Network

Ringworm
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Symptom
Description

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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 Â½ 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 contact.Â 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 day care or school for ringworm.

If not, see these topics

Doesn't look like ringworm, see RASH - LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

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

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR RINGWORM

Antifungal Cream:
- Use Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream (no prescription needed) 2 times per day.
- Apply it to the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders.
- Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.
Contagiousness:
- Your child doesn't have to miss any day 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.
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.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment
- Rash is not cleared by 4 weeks
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 10/1/2006

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online