Ringworm 101: What Parents Need to Know and Do

Discovering your child has ringworm can be unsettling—even frightening. But ringworm is a common and treatable condition that many parents face. 

Knowing the ins and outs of the condition and what to do if you suspect ringworm can go a long way toward easing your nerves. 

At The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Darien and Norwalk, Connecticut, our board-certified pediatricians are experts in diagnosing and managing skin infections like ringworm. 

We’re also committed to ensuring you have the information you need to take on ringworm. Keep reading to explore ringworm, how to identify it, and what to do if you suspect your child has this condition.  

Understanding ringworm

Despite what it’s called, worms don’t cause ringworm. It’s actually a fungal infection known medically as tinea, and it’s related to the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot and jock itch. 

While anyone can get ringworm, it’s most common in children under 10. This infection is highly contagious and is passed from person to person through direct contact or by sharing items like combs, hats, blankets, and towels. 

The infection thrives on dead skin, hair and fur, and nail tissue. It loves warm, moist environments, making places like locker rooms and public pools common places for the infection to be contracted. 

In addition, ringworm spreads easily among young children because little kids have many close interactions and often share common spaces and items. 

For this reason, environments like daycares and schools are often common sites for spreading the infection — especially if kids share personal items or engage in activities that increase skin contact.

Spotting signs of ringworm 

Recognizing the signs of ringworm early is key to preventing the spread of the infection. Here’s what to watch for to help determine if your child might have this skin infection:

Scalp symptoms

Look for scaly, itchy patches that may flake (similar to dandruff) or areas of hair loss, sometimes with sore or swollen patches.

Body symptoms

Watch for ring-shaped rashes with a clear center and raised, red, scaly borders that may itch or burn.

Symptoms can vary based on the infection site, so knowing these signs can help you get your child quicker treatment.

Steps parents can take to prevent and manage ringworm

While it’s challenging to completely prevent ringworm because it’s so contagious, there are steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk and manage the infection if it develops:

• Educate your child about the importance of personal hygiene and not sharing personal items
• Encourage frequent handwashing, especially after playing with pets or sharing toys
• Keep your child’s hair clean and dry, and make sure your child changes wet or sweaty clothes as soon as possible

In addition, you’ll want to check your child’s skin routinely for the early signs of ringworm — especially if they’re in daycare, play sports,  or participate in activities where they share equipment or personal items.

Adopting these habits can significantly decrease the likelihood of ringworm or contain its spread if an infection occurs.

How your child’s pediatrician can help

At The Center for Advanced Pediatrics, our providers not only treat ringworm but also focus on education and prevention. Our goal is to ensure your child has healthy skin and help you and your family avoid future infections. 

For mild ringworm infections, your pediatrician may suggest beginning with an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal lotion, powder, or cream. 

In most cases, your child uses the antifungal for 2-4 weeks and then returns for a follow-up appointment. 

If the OTC antifungal treatment isn’t effective, your pediatrician can prescribe a stronger antifungal topical or oral medication. 

Learn more about ringworm by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone with a pediatrician at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Darien or Norwalk, Connecticut.