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Ringworm
Ringworm is not a worm. It's a fungal infection of the scalp or skin, and gets its name from the "rings" it can produce on the skin. Ringworm is in the "tinea" family of fungal skin infections, which also cause jock itch and athlete's foot. It is very common and mildly contagious, especially among children. Domestic animals such as farm animals, dogs, cats, hamsters, and guinea pigs can also have ringworm; children can contract ringworm from these animals if they are in close contact with them.
Symptoms
- Skin: Itching, redness on the skin, and a circular patchy lesion that spreads along its borders and clears at the center.
- Scalp: Starts as a small sore that resembles a pimple before becoming patchy, flaky, or scaly. It is often confused with dandruff. The scalp may become swollen, sore and red; some hair may fall out or break off.
- Nails: May become thick, white or yellowish, and brittle.
- May include swollen, inflamed and oozing mass known as a "kerion." This is sometimes confused with impetigo.
Treatment
If you suspect that your child has ringworm, call his or her healthcare provider. Your child's healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal ointment for ringworm of the skin, or an oral medication for ringworm of the scalp and/or nails.
Read more about Tinea in Germs 101.