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Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungus infection of the skin. It has nothing to do with worms. People often get it from puppies or kittens who have ringworm. It can also be passed from person to person following close contact such as wrestling.

If your child has ringworm, your child will have a ring-shaped pink patch on the skin. The patch will:

  • Usually be 1/2 to 1 inch in size with a scaly, raised border and clear center.
  • Get slowly bigger.
  • Be mildly itchy.

How long does it last?

With the appropriate treatment, ringworm should go away in 2 weeks.

How can I take care of my child?

  • Antifungal cream

    Buy Tinactin, Micatin, or Lotrimin cream at your drugstore. You won't need a prescription. Apply the cream twice a day to the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders. Continue this treatment for 1 week after the ringworm patch is smooth and seems to be gone. Encourage your child to avoid scratching the area.

  • Contagiousness

    Ringworm of the skin is mildly contagious. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact. After 48Â hours of treatment, ringworm is not contagious at all. Your child doesn't have to miss any school or day care. The type of ringworm you get from pets is not spread from human to human, only from animal to human.

  • Treatment of pets

    Kittens and puppies with ringworm usually do not itch and may not have any rash. Pets with a skin rash or sores should be examined by a veterinarian. Also have your child avoid close contact with the animal until he is treated. Natural immunity develops in animals after 4 months even without treatment. Call your veterinarian for other questions.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

Call during office hours if:

  • The ringworm continues to spread after 1Â week of treatment.
  • The rash has not cleared up in 4Â weeks.
  • You have other concerns or questions.

Written by Barton D. Schmitt, MD, author of “My Child Is Sick”, American Academy of Pediatrics Books.
Pediatric Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2009-06-19
Last reviewed: 2011-06-06
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2012 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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