Ringworm
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Is this your child's symptom?
- One or more ring-shaped spots caused by a fungus
- Has a rough edge and clearing of the center
If NOT, try one of these:
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.
When to Call for Ringworm
When to Call for Ringworm
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
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Self Care at Home
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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
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
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.