What to Know about Ringworm
Ringworm in children can be concerning for parents, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you manage this common skin condition with confidence
what to know
Tinea, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis), feet (tinea pedis or athlete's foot), and body (tinea corporis). While it may sound alarming, tinea is quite common in children and can be effectively treated.
On the skin (tinea corporis), tinea typically starts as a red, scaly patch or bump. It can slowly start to develop into one or more rings with raised, scaly edges. Usually, there is a central clearing, or clear center with a ring of red or darker color skin around it. The skin can flake, peel, and can be itchy or uncomfortable.
On the scalp (tinea capitis), you may see a small bump (that looks like a pimple) before it becomes scaly or flaky along the edges. It often makes hair fall out or break into stubble — we often see a bald spot in the center of the ring.
Let’s explore various treatment options to help you navigate this condition with confidence.
what to do
If you suspect tinea, there are a few different options for treatment.
Tinea Corporis: If there are one or two small lesions on the body, we often start with a topical antifungal (like clotrimazole 1%, which is over the counter). If there are multiple lesions, or lesions that aren’t responding to topical medications after a few weeks, then you can talk with your care team about next steps. You do need to apply it twice daily, and it can take a few weeks to improve. Tinea on the face might sometimes get better after topical treatment, but it often needs an oral treatment to help it really improve.
Tinea Capitis: For tinea that is in the scalp, oral treatment is standard. This is typically a liquid medication (like griseofulvin or terbinafine) that you take daily for up to 8 weeks. It is a lengthy treatment time, but it works effectively, targeting the fungus more directly. Talk with your care team about what makes the most sense for your child. You also want to use an antifungal shampoo twice a week to reduce shedding.
Some parents explore more natural remedies like tee tree oil or apple cider vinegar as treatment. These are widely available and may have antifungal properties. They may be just fine to use in addition to medicated treatments, but there is limited scientific evidence supporting effectiveness in severe infections. I always love hearing your experiences, so let me know if you’ve used these with effect!
tips for prevention
If your child has a tinea infection, alongside treatment, maintaining proper hygiene can help prevent spread and recurrence. Try these things:
Encourage regular handwashing.
Keep affected areas clean and dry.
Avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothing, and brushes.
Launder bedding and clothing frequently in hot water, especially after treatment begins.
when to seek help
if symptoms are getting worse instead of better after treatments above
if you notice a pus-filled boggy mass (kerion) - this can sometimes happen with tinea infections on the scalp
with any signs of infection (streaking redness outside of the area, pus, discharge, fever, etc.)
if your child is having multiple episodes of fungal infections
with any questions or concerns
Ringworm can sound scary, but with timely intervention and proper care, your child can be on the road to recovery in no time.