Ringworm:

Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus. It has absolutely nothing to do with worms! There are many different types of fungus germs and some can infect the skin, nails and hair. Ringworm on the body is called tinea corporis and on the scalp tinea capitis. Fungal infection of the feet (see Athlete's foot, tinea pedis) is considered elsewhere.

Anyone can catch ringworm and there is often no obvious reason why the infection occurs. Sometimes the infection is passed from person to person, on other occasions it can even be passed to humans from infected animals. Indeed, children in the UK often catch scalp ringworm from a pet dog or cat or alternatively from other children.

The term 'ringworm' although nothing to do with worms, relates to the circular appearance of the rash. Body ringworm (tinea corporis) typically appears as a solitary circular redness of the skin with the outermost edge more inflamed and scaly than the paler centre. This ring appearance becomes gradually larger and occasionally several separate patches can be present over the body, particularly when the infection originates from an animal. Typically the rash is only mildly irritating but occasionally it can become very inflamed and itchy.

Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) tends to only be seen in children and usually appears as a solitary circular patch of scaly inflamed scalp which is itchy. Mild infections may merely look like a bad patch of dandruff whereas more severe infection can cause a boggy, inflammatory swelling with associated hair loss over the affected area.

Treatments for ringworm are very effective. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with anti-fungal creams which are available over-the-counter at pharmacies or on doctors' prescriptions. It is important to apply the cream not only to the obviously affected area, but to the surrounding 6 cm of normal skin in addition. Typically treatment will need to be applied for up to 3 weeks and it is most important to continue to use the cream for 10 days after the rash has disappeared. If treatment is not continued in this fashion, ringworm often recurs.

Occasionally if the infection is particularly widespread over the body, it may be more appropriate to treat this with an anti-fungal tablet.

Treatment of scalp ringworm is slightly different and requires anti-fungal medication to be taken by mouth for a course of up to 12 weeks. Unfortunately fungal creams that work well for body ringworm do not cure the infection on the scalp as this extends to include the shafts of the hairs which are not reached by creams applied to the surface of the scalp. However, it may be appropriate to use a selenium shampoo in addition to the medication, applying this twice weekly to kill the fungi on the surface of the scalp and hair thereby preventing the fungus spreading to other children. Treatment in this fashion allows the affected child not to need to stay off school.

It is sensible to check other family members, school friends and family pets for signs of fungal infections after a child is diagnosed as having scalp ringworm. However, there is no need to treat people who do not show any signs of infection.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.