Ringworm of the Body

Definition

  • Skin infection with 1 or more ring-shaped spots
  • Has a rough edge and clearing of the center
  • Caused by a fungus

Call or Return 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

About This Topic

Symptoms

  • 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
  • Mildly itchy

Cause

  • A fungus infection of the skin. It is not caused by a worm.
  • Can often be spread to humans from puppies or kittens who have it
  • Rarely, can be spread human-to-human. It requires direct skin contact to be passed this way. An exception is that an epidemic from ringworm can occur among wrestlers. This is because of close body contact during matches.
  • Sometimes, caused by fungus in the soil.

Prevention of Recurrent Ringworm

  • Avoid contact with infected pets until they are treated by a vet.

After Care Advice

Overview:
  • 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.
Antifungal Cream:
  • Use Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream 2 times per day. No prescription is needed.
  • Put it on the rash and 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond its borders.
  • Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.
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 diagnosis and treatment.
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.
  • The pet type cannot be spread from your child to other children. It is only passed from animal to human.
  • After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all
  • Can return to wrestling after 3 days of treatment. Continue treatment until gone.