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Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the body, scalp, or feet.
Symptoms
Body: Ringworm appears as flat, spreading ring-shaped lesions. The edge of the lesion may be dry and scaly or moist and crusted. The center often becomes clear as the lesion spreads outward.
Symptoms
Body: Ringworm appears as flat, spreading ring-shaped lesions. The edge of the lesion may be dry and scaly or moist and crusted. The center often becomes clear as the lesion spreads outward.
Scalp: It often begins as a small scaly patch on the scalp. Mild redness and swelling may occur. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily.
Scalp: It often begins as a small scaly patch on the scalp. Mild redness and swelling may occur. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily.
Feet: Also known as Athlete’s foot, it is often seen as scaling or cracking of the skin of the foot, especially between the toes. May have blisters and itching can occur.
Feet: Also known as Athlete’s foot, it is often seen as scaling or cracking of the skin of the foot, especially between the toes. May have blisters and itching can occur.
Spread
By direct contact with lesions of infected persons, from an animal that has ringworm, or from contaminated objects. To prevent spread of infection, children should not share hats, combs, towels, clothing, or personal items that may be contaminated.
Spread
By direct contact with lesions of infected persons, from an animal that has ringworm, or from contaminated objects. To prevent spread of infection, children should not share hats, combs, towels, clothing, or personal items that may be contaminated.
Contagious Period
Contagious as long as the fungus is present in the skin lesions. Once lesions start shrinking the fungus is no longer present. If a child is prescribed oral medication by their provider, then a child must wait until they begin treatment before being considered no longer infectious. This is usually in cases where the child has ringworm on their scalp. Over-the-counter medications are available for treatment.
Contagious Period
Contagious as long as the fungus is present in the skin lesions. Once lesions start shrinking the fungus is no longer present. If a child is prescribed oral medication by their provider, then a child must wait until they begin treatment before being considered no longer infectious. This is usually in cases where the child has ringworm on their scalp. Over-the-counter medications are available for treatment.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until 24 hours after oral treatment has been started. If oral treatment does not occur, once lesions begin to shrink.
Causes
Causes
A fungus.
Incubation
Ringworm takes about four to 14 days after exposure for symptoms to appear.
Incubation
Ringworm takes about four to 14 days after exposure for symptoms to appear.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
If you suspect ringworm in your household members, contact your healthcare provider.
Antifungal ointments are often used for treating ringworm. Oral medication may also be necessary when infection of the hair or scalp is more severe.
Household contacts, including pets, should be checked for signs of infection. If infection is present, treatment should be started as soon as possible.
Practice good hand hygiene after touching lesions.
Wash combs and brushes used by the infected person in hot, soapy water.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Ringworm.pdf
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