Ringworm

When To Call

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

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

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Photos

Ringworm Rash on Arm

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.

Source: Self Care Decisions, LLC
Used with Permission from Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Ringworm Rash on Leg

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.

Source: Self Care Decisions, LLC
Used with Permission from Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.