Ringworm in Children

There's nothing to do with the worms! Ringworm is a skin infection that appears as a rash in a round or ring shape. But it's not painful or dangerous, it's simply itchy. This is usually affects the body or scalp and is very common to children.

Due to the fact that ringworm is awfully contagious and can easily be transmitted via direct and indirect contact, it is also becoming widespread in this day and most especially to children. Ringworm is an ordinary fungal infection where they get reddish or grey scaly, itchy and round shaped on their skin or scalp. Since children habitually share their things to others and are less probably to take hygienic protection and precautions than adults, fungal infections can spread quickly through a day-care center or your child's class at school.

Children can get ringworm from animals, usually from their own pet. You should see a doctor if you feel your daughter or son has ringworm to treat it right away. The doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal cream or an oral treatment depending on the status of the infected area.

Here are some things you must know to protect your child from the ringworm.

Ringworm is only slightly infectious, so children may continue to be present at school or daycare while undertaking treatment. Just remind them not walk barefoot in the gym or by the pool and even from a wet moist area like the comfort room or shower floor.

Be certain that everyone in your family washes their hands frequently. You must also wash everyone's bedclothes and blanket, clothes and towels, and throw away or just wash any combs and hairbrushes or garments that could spread the infection.

In addition, examine also your pets if a member in your family gets ringworm. Bring your pets to vets for a check-up to notice if there's a crusty bald patches of skin - a sign of a ringworm infection. Even if there are no signs of infection, take them still to the veterinarians because some animals can sometimes bring the fungus infection without showing any signs of it. Keep also animals out of bedrooms and off beds and furniture. And teach your child not to kiss pets and never to handle or touch an animal faces.

You don't have to keep your children away from their usual activities once you've started treating them. Just remember the preventions stated above to check and maintain your childcare and to avoid the ringworm from coming back.

For more information, read all about ringworm and on ringworm in children for more information.

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