Ringworm is a common skin condition that can crop up during childhood, and while its name might sound a bit worrying, there’s no need to panic—it’s caused by a fungus, not an actual worm! Using insights from trusted experts, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ringworm: how to spot it, treat it, and stop it from spreading, so you can feel confident in caring for your little one.
What is ringworm?
According to the NHS, ringworm is a common fungal skin infection medically known as Tinea, and despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms. The infection gets its name from the characteristic ring-like rash (ringworm rash) it often produces on the skin.
Thankfully, it's not dangerous, but it is highly contagious. As the NHS explains, "Fungal spores are passed between people through direct skin contact and by sharing objects such as towels, hairbrushes, and bedding." Your child can even catch it if they come into contact with soil that contains fungal spores.
Babies and young children are particularly susceptible, especially if they have a small cut, graze, or an existing skin condition like eczema, which can make the skin more vulnerable to infection. Don't worry though, ringworm treatment is available for your little ones.
What are the symptoms of ringworm?
Ringworm symptoms can be easy to spot, especially when you know what to look for. The infection often begins as small, red or silver, ring-shaped rashes that may be bumpy and crusty at the edges, with smooth skin in the center. These rashes can appear on your baby’s chest, back, tummy, or thighs. They may start as just millimetres in size before growing to several centimetres as the fungus spreads.
Ringworm can also affect areas such as the hands, face, or scalp. When it appears on the scalp, it may be mistaken for conditions like dandruff, cradle cap, or even small bald patches. The rash on the scalp can range from dry and crusty to, in more severe cases, moist and pus-filled. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of scalp ringworm may include swollen red patches, severe itchiness, and hair loss.
Common symptoms of ringworm include:
• Red or silver, ring-shaped rashes
• Bumpy, crusty edges with smooth centers
• Rashes on the chest, back, tummy, or thighs
• Rashes on the hands or face
• Dry, crusty, or pus-filled patches on the scalp
• Scalp rash may resemble dandruff, cradle cap, or small bald patches
What can you do to treat ringworm?
If your little one has ringworm, there are several things you can do to help ease the discomfort and stop the infection from spreading. Although ringworm isn’t usually dangerous, it can be itchy and contagious, so it's important to act quickly.
Steps to treat ringworm:
Dress your child in loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibres to reduce irritation on the infected skin.
Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching, which can worsen the rash and spread the infection.
Wash the infected area daily with mild soap and dry it thoroughly, as moisture can worsen the condition and promote the spread of the infection
Wash any items that may have come into contact with the infection, such as towels, bedding, and hairbrushes. Avoid sharing these until the infection is completely gone.
Use an over-the-counter anti-fungal treatment recommended by a pharmacist. Most ringworm infections can be treated with creams, lotions, or powders available at the pharmacy and they typically take about 4 weeks to clear up the ringworm.
Consider oral medication for scalp infections: If the infection affects your child's scalp, oral antifungal medication may be needed, as these infections are harder to treat with topical treatments alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Scalp infections typically require oral antifungal medication."
If the infection is on the scalp or proves resistant to treatment, visit your GP for stronger medication, as scalp infections are more challenging to treat.
When to see your GP about ringworm
In most cases, ringworm can be treated at home with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams. However, there are situations where you should see your GP for further advice and treatment.
You should see your GP if:
• The ringworm on your baby’s body or face doesn’t clear up with over-the-counter anti-fungal treatment.
• The treatment causes another rash or irritation, suggesting it may not be suitable for your baby’s skin.
• The infection is on your baby’s scalp, as it may require oral anti-fungal medication and a medicated shampoo, which your GP can prescribe.
Getting the right treatment from your doctor will help clear up the infection quickly and ensure your baby is comfortable.
FAQ: Ringworm in Children
Is ringworm contagious?
Yes, ringworm is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, as well as through contaminated objects like towels, clothing, and bedding.
How can I prevent my child from getting ringworm?
To reduce the risk of ringworm:
• Keep your child's skin clean and dry.
• Encourage regular handwashing, especially after playing with pets.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, hats, and hairbrushes.
• Ensure pets are free from fungal infections; consult a veterinarian if you suspect an issue.
Can my child go to school with ringworm?
It's advisable to keep your child at home until treatment has started and the lesion can be covered. Inform the school so they can take necessary precautions to prevent an outbreak.
What should I do if over-the-counter treatments don't work?
If there's no improvement after using over-the-counter antifungal creams for the recommended duration, consult your GP. They may prescribe stronger medication or investigate other potential causes.
Can ringworm lead to other health complications?
While ringworm itself is generally not serious, scratching can lead to skin infections. In rare cases, untreated ringworm can cause more widespread fungal infections.
How long does it take for ringworm to heal?
With appropriate treatment, ringworm typically clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. However, infections on the scalp may take longer to heal and often require oral antifungal medication.
Can ringworm recur after treatment?
Yes, it's possible to get ringworm again, especially if exposed to the fungus. Maintaining good hygiene and taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Is ringworm related to other fungal infections like athlete's foot?
Yes, ringworm is caused by the same type of fungi responsible for athlete's foot and jock itch. The difference lies in the affected area of the body.
Should I treat my pets if my child has ringworm?
Pets can be carriers of ringworm. If you suspect your pet has a fungal infection, consult a veterinarian for appropriate treatment to prevent spreading the infection to humans.
What does ringworm look like when it's healing?
As ringworm heals, the rash may become less red and start to flatten. The scaling and itching should decrease, and the skin will gradually return to its normal appearance.
How can I tell if it's ringworm or rash?
If you're unsure whether your child has ringworm or a rash, look for these signs:
• Ringworm: Ring-shaped rash with raised, bumpy edges and a smooth centre.
• Rash: Typically irregular in shape and may look different depending on the cause, like red bumps or hives.
If you're still unsure, consult your GP for an accurate diagnosis.
What does ringworm look like?
Ringworm typically appears as a red or silver, round rash with raised, bumpy edges and a smooth or clear centre. It may start small but can grow in size as the infection spreads. The rash can appear on various areas of the body, including the chest, back, thighs, or even the scalp.
How do you get ringworm?
Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surfaces like towels, bedding, and hairbrushes. You can also get it from soil that contains fungal spores, especially if there’s a cut or scrape on the skin.
How to get rid of ringworm
To get rid of ringworm, use an over-the-counter antifungal cream, lotion, or powder, which usually clears up the infection within 4 weeks. For scalp infections, oral antifungal medication may be needed. Keep the infected area clean and dry, and avoid sharing items like towels or hairbrushes until the infection has gone.
What causes ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by a fungus called dermatophytes, which thrive on the skin, hair, and nails. The infection spreads through direct contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surfaces, such as towels, bedding, or soil. It can also occur if the skin is damaged or weakened, such as from cuts, scrapes, or conditions like eczema.
What should I do - newborn with ringworm?
If your newborn has ringworm, it's important to seek medical advice right away. While ringworm is usually treatable, babies have delicate skin, and their immune systems may not respond to treatment the same way as older children. Your GP can recommend safe antifungal treatments and help guide you on how to care for the infection to prevent it from spreading.
Will ringworm heal on its own?
Ringworm typically doesn’t heal on its own and requires treatment to clear up. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or powders are usually effective in treating the infection within a few weeks. Without treatment, ringworm can spread and may last longer. For more severe cases, such as those on the scalp, oral medication may be necessary.
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.