If your kids are active, locker-room showers and heaps of sweaty
clothes probably are part of their everyday lives - and so is the
risk of getting fungal skin infections.
Jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm are all types of
fungal skin infections known collectively as tinea. They're
caused by fungi called dermatophytes that live on skin, hair, and
nails and thrive in warm, moist areas.
Symptoms of these infections can vary depending on where they
appear on the body. The source of the fungus might be soil, an
animal (most often a cat, dog, or rodent), or in most cases,
another person. Minor trauma to the skin (such as scratches) and
poor skin hygiene increase the potential for infection.
It's important to teach kids to take precautions to prevent
fungal skin infections, which can be itchy and uncomfortable. If
they do get one, most can be treated with over-the-counter
medication, though some might require treatment by a doctor.
Ringworm
Ringworm isn't a worm, but a fungal infection of the scalp
or skin that got its name from the ring or series of rings that it
can produce.
Symptoms of Ringworm
Ringworm of the scalp may start as a small sore that resembles a
pimple before becoming patchy, flaky, or scaly. These flakes may be
confused with dandruff. It can cause some hair to fall out or break
into stubbles. It can also cause the scalp to become swollen,
tender, and red.
Sometimes, there may be a swollen, inflamed mass known as a
kerion, which oozes fluid. These symptoms can be confused with
impetigo or cellulitis. The distinctive features of ringworm are
itching, redness on the skin, and a circular patchy lesion that
spreads along its borders and clears at the center.
Ringworm of the nails may affect one or more nails on the hands
or feet. The nails may become thick, white or yellowish, and
brittle.
If you suspect that your child has ringworm, call your
doctor.
Treating Ringworm
Ringworm is fairly easy to diagnose and treat. Most of the time,
the doctor can diagnose it by looking at it or by scraping off a
small sample of the flaky infected skin to test for the fungus. The
doctor may recommend an antifungal ointment for ringworm of the
skin or an oral medication for ringworm of the scalp and nails.
Preventing Ringworm
A child usually gets ringworm from another infected person, so
it's important to encourage kids to avoid sharing combs,
brushes, pillows, and hats with others.
Jock Itch
Jock itch, an infection of the groin and upper thighs, got its
name because cases are commonly seen in active kids who sweat a lot
while playing sports. But the fungus that causes the jock itch
infection can thrive on the skin of any kids who spend time in hot
and humid weather, wear tight clothing like bathing suits that
cause friction, share towels and clothing, and don't completely
dry off their skin. It can last for weeks or months if it goes
untreated.
Symptoms of Jock Itch
Symptoms of jock itch may include:
- itching, chafing, or burning in the groin, thigh, or anal
area
- skin redness in the groin, thigh, or anal area
- flaking, peeling, or cracking skin
Treating Jock Itch
Jock itch can usually be treated with over-the-counter
antifungal creams and sprays. When using one of these, kids
should:
- Wash and then dry the area with a clean towel.
- Apply the antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed on
the label.
- Change clothing, especially the underwear, every day.
- Continue this treatment for 2 weeks, even if symptoms
disappear, to prevent the infection from recurring.
If the ointment or spray is not effective, call your doctor, who
can prescribe other treatment.
Preventing Jock Itch
Jock itch can be prevented by keeping the groin area clean and
dry, particularly after showering, swimming, and sweaty
activities.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot typically affects the soles of the feet, the
areas between the toes, and sometimes the toenails. It can also
spread to the palms of the hands, the groin, or the underarms if
your child touches the affected foot and then touches another body
part. It got its name because it affects people whose feet tend to
be damp and sweaty, which is often the case with athletes.
Symptoms of Athlete's Foot
The symptoms of athlete's foot may include itching, burning,
redness, and stinging on the soles of the feet. The skin may flake,
peel, blister, or crack.
Treating Athlete's Foot
A doctor can often diagnose athlete's foot simply by
examining the foot or by taking a small scraping of the affected
skin to detect the presence of the fungus that causes athlete's
foot.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays may effectively
treat mild cases of athlete's foot within a few weeks.
Athlete's foot can recur or be more serious. If that's the
case, ask your doctor about trying a stronger treatment.
Preventing Athlete's Foot
Because the fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in
warm, moist areas, infections can be prevented by keeping feet and
the space between the toes clean and dry.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread in damp
areas, such as public showers or pool areas, so it's wise to
take extra precautions. Encourage kids to:
- wear waterproof shoes or flip-flops in public showers, like
those in locker rooms
- alternate shoes or sneakers to prevent moisture buildup and
fungus growth
- avoid socks that trap moisture or make the feet sweat and
instead choose cotton or wool socks or socks made of fabric that
wicks away the moisture
- choose sneakers that are well ventilated with small holes to
keep the feet dry
By taking the proper precautions and teaching them to your kids,
you can prevent these uncomfortable skin infections from putting a
crimp in your family's lifestyle.
Reviewed by:
Patrice Hyde, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.