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Does this describe your child's symptoms?
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Ringworm Rash on Arm
Ringworm Rash on Leg
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Definition
- Fungal skin infection causing 1 or more ring-shaped spots
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 often transmitted from puppies or kittens who have it.
- Less commonly transmitted human-to-human because if requires direct skin contact. An exception is that an epidemic from ringworm can occur among wrestlers because of close body contact during matches.
- Occasionally transmitted from fungus in the soil.
Return to School - Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school for ringworm.
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If not, see these topics
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| Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
- Pus is draining from the rash
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| Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Scalp is involved
- More than 3 spots are present
- Teen is a wrestler
- Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment
- Rash lasts longer than 4 weeks
- You have other questions or concerns
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| Parent Care at Home If |
- Mild ringworm and you don't think your child needs to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR RINGWORM
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- Antifungal Cream:
- Use Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream (no prescription needed) 2 times per day.
- Apply it to the rash and 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond its borders.
- Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.
- Contagiousness:
- Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school for ringworm.
- Ringworm of the skin is mildly contagious. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact.
- The type acquired from pets is not transmitted from human to human, only from animal to human.
- After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm is not contagious at all.
- Wrestlers, however, should avoid all wrestling until evaluated by your child's doctor.
- Expected Course: It clears completely in 3 to 4 weeks. For any recurrences, suspect the household puppy or kitten and take it to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment
- Rash is not cleared by 4 weeks
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 8/1/2010
Last Revised: 10/1/2010
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Copyright 1994-2011 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
