Ringworm Related Infections

Fungal infections can be a part of the everyday lives of active children. Locker rooms, showers and sweaty clothes are the prime breeding grounds of the fungi that cause ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot. These fungal infections are known as tinea and they are the product of a fungi called dermatophytes which love dark, warm, moist areas and can live anywhere on the body including skin and hair.

The way these infections manifest themselves depends on what part of the body they are found on and where they were picked up. Fungal infections can be passed through soil, pets and other people. People who have minor injuries to their skin like breakages or scratches are more likely to suffer from skin infections. Skin infections can be uncomfortable especially for children. However, they can be easily treated either with an anti-fungal medication or by treatment from a doctor.

Ringworm is a common type of fungal infection that often manifests itself in the scalp or on the skin of the person infected. Its name does not come from a worm but because the rash on the skin is a small ring or circular shape and some say that it looks as though there’s a worm under the skin.

The sores may present themselves as being small, circular and red sores on the skin which may also become scaly or flaky. They are often irritated and if they occur on the scalp they may result in hair falling out of the affected area. The patches are red and itchy and they may either be raised or flat. Less commonly, these sores may become inflamed and ooze fluid. This infection may also result in swollen lymph glands on the back of the person’s head. Ringworm may also cause an infection in the fingernails or toenails. If this happens, the nails on the affected areas might become thick and brittle.

Treating ringworm is quite easy to do and it is also quite easy to diagnose. Doctors can usually recognize it by looking at it or they may test some of the skin for fungus. Doctors usually recommend some type of anti-fungal medication in the form of an ointment, lotion, cream or powder however when the infection lies deep in the skin doctors may offer an oral medication with anti-fungal properties. All treatments showed be taken as directed or prescribed even if it seems the rash is clearing up prematurely.

Doctors may also recommended anti-fungal soaps and shampoos to prevent further spread of the tinea spores. This is especially important for children of school age to prevent fungal infections from running rampant through schools and day care centers.

Preventing ringworm can be difficult in children but  it is not impossible. Because ringworm often spreads through skin cells or hair, it is important to prevent children from sharing personal items like brushes, combs, hats and pillows with each other.

Making sure that children wear clean and dry clothes to school can also stop children from bringing infectious diseases from their homes into schools. Ringworm may be spread from barber’s tools or from shared tools in the classroom but this is why it is very important to teach children to wash their hands thoroughly.