Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Ringworm (Tinea)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: November 2001
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

• What is ringworm?
• What causes ringworm?
• Who can get ringworm?
• What are the symptoms of ringworm?
• Is ringworm contagious?
• How is ringworm treated?
• How long does ringworm last?
• How can ringworm be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is ringworm?

• Ringworm is a skin infection that can affect any part of the body. It usually affects the skin, nails, or scalp.
• Ringworm of the scalp is called tinea capitis.
• Ringworm of the skin and nails is called tinea corporis.
• Ringworm of the groin is called tinea cruris or jock itch.
• Ringworm of the feet is called tinea pedis or athlete's foot.

What causes ringworm?

• Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm.

Who can get ringworm?

• Anyone of any age can get ringworm. It is most common in children ages 3-9.
• People, animals, and rodents can get ringworm. It can also be found in soil.
• Swimmers, children in day care, and people with weak immune systems (from cancer, HIV, etc.) are at greater risk.
• It is possible to get ringworm more than once.

What are the symptoms of ringworm?

• Ringworm of the skin causes itching, redness of the skin, and circular sores. The sores usually have a red edge and a clear center. Rings may form around sores.
• Skin could become lighter or darker on the sides of the face, the neck, back, and chest. This is most common in teens and young adults.
• Ringworm of the scalp may start like a pimple and then become patchy, flaky, or scaly. It can cause hair loss or cause hair to break in stubbles.
• Ringworm can also affect the area under men's beards.
• Ringworm of the nails may affect 1 or more nails on the hands or feet.
• Nails may become thick, white, and break easily.
• The area between the toes may itch, burn, and become red.
• Jock itch causes patches of itchy areas on the upper thigh and lower stomach, but not on the penis or scrotum.

Is ringworm contagious?

• Yes. Ringworm is contagious.
• It can be spread by direct contact with an infected person, pet, or surface.
• It can be spread by sharing clothing, brushes, shoes, towels, toys (such as stuffed animals) and other items with an infected person.
• Ringworm (athlete's foot) can spread by touching an infected surface (in public showers, on gym mats, pool decks, carpets, and couches).

How is ringworm treated?

• The doctor may take a test to make sure your child has a fungal infection.
• The doctor will probably recommend an antifungal cream or shampoo.
• Keep the skin clean and dry. Use a drying powder if needed.
• In some cases, oral medication (by mouth) may be helpful.
• Do not scratch the sores.
• Pets who have ringworm should be treated by a veterinarian.

How long does ringworm last?

• With treatment, symptoms usually get better within 4 weeks.
• Some cases may need longer treatment.

How can ringworm be prevented?

• Practice good hygiene. Keep skin clean and dry.
• Wear clean clothes every day.
• Put on clean socks after exercising.
• Your child is more likely to be infected if he has a cut or scratch. Clean and disinfect wounds as soon as possible.
• An infected person's clothing, brush, and other items should be washed after use.
• Wear sandals in public showers or near pools.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if your child has a red sore on his skin that itches.
• Call the doctor if symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment.
• Call the doctor if symptoms last for more than 4 weeks.
• Call the doctor if the area near the patch becomes red, warm, tender, or swollen.
• Call the doctor if your child has a fever with his rash.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Quick Answers

• Ringworm is a skin infection that usually affects the skin, nails, or scalp.
• Ringworm is caused by a fungus.
• Anyone of any age can get ringworm. It is most common in children.
• Ringworm causes itching, redness of the skin, and circular sores.
• It can be spread by contact with an infected person, pet, soil, or items.
• Ringworm is usually treated with cream, shampoo, or oral medication.
• Symptoms usually get better within 4 weeks of treatment.
• Keep body and clothes clean and dry to help prevent infection.
• Call the doctor if your child has a rash or other symptoms of ringworm.

References

• Hait E M.D. Ringworm. MedlinePlus. 2001 July 30 (cited 2001 October 3). Available from: URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001439.htm
• Health Square. Ringworm of the Body. (cited 2001 October 3). Available from: URL: http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc1217.htm
• Hyde P M.D. Ringworm. KidsHealth. 2001 April (cited 2001 October 3). Available from: URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=207&cat_id=&article_set=21944
• Intelihealth. Ringworm (Tinea) 2001 March 30 (cited 2001 October 3). Available from: URL: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/20722/10628.html

See related Patient Topics Infections or Tinea Infections.

See related Provider Topics or Infections.

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