Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Ringworm
Description/Symptoms
Ringworm of the Body (tinea corporis)
- Skin infection caused by a fungus, not a worm.
- Appears ring-shaped with a raised edge, very itchy and flaky.
- Contagious as long as lesions are present and living fungus persists on contaminated materials.
- Spread from person to person by contact with lesions on infected person or pets or indirectly by contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g., combs, unwashed clothing, floors, shower stalls, pool surfaces, benches).
- The period between exposure to the infection and the appearance of symptoms is usually 4 to 10 days.
Ringworm of the Scalp (tinea capitus)
- Begins as a small pimple and spreads outwards in a ring-shape leaving scaly patches causing temporary baldness.
- Living fungus may persist on contaminated materials for long periods.
- Spread by direct or indirect contact (e.g., sharing combs or hats).
- The period between exposure to the infection and the appearance of symptoms is usually 10 to 14 days
Ringworm of the Foot (tinea pedis, Athlete’s Foot)
- Scaling or cracking of the skin, sometimes blisters between the toes, usually itchy.
- Contagious as long as lesions are present and living fungus persists on contaminated materials.
- Spread by direct contact with infected person, or indirectly from contaminated floors, showers.
- The period between exposure to the infection and the appearance of symptoms is unknown.
Instructions for Schools
- Scaling or cracking of the skin, sometimes blisters between the toes, usually itchy.
- Contagious as long as lesions are present and living fungus persists on contaminated materials.
- Spread by direct contact with infected person, or indirectly from contaminated floors, showers.
- The period between exposure to the infection and the appearance of symptoms is unknown.
Notes
- Refer to physician for diagnosis and treatment.
- Recurrenceis common and infections are more frequent in hot weather so encourage good general hygiene, hand washing and avoidance of occlusive footwear.
- Encourage children not to share hats, combs, towels, etc.
- For environmental cleaning see Preventing Infections section of School Health Reference Guide.
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