Ringworm

Is this your child's symptom?

• One or more ring-shaped spots caused by a fungus
• Has a rough edge and clearing of the center

Symptoms of Ringworm

• Round pink patch
• Clearing of the center as the patch grows
• Raised, rough, scaly border
• Usually ½ to 1 inch (12 -25 mm) in size
• Ring slowly increases in size
• Often only on one side of the face or body
• Mildly itchy

Cause

• An infection of the skin caused by a fungus. It is not caused by a worm.
• Can often be spread to humans from puppies or kittens that have it. Pet rodents also can carry it.
• Rarely, can be spread human-to-human. It needs direct skin contact to be passed this way. An exception is that ringworm can occur often among wrestlers. This is because of close body contact during matches.
• Sometimes, caused by fungus in the soil.

When to Call for Ringworm

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Pus is draining from the rash
• Tick bite within the last month and new onset of "ringworm"

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Scalp is involved
• More than 3 spots are present
• Child is a wrestler
• Rash gets bigger or spreads after 1 week on treatment
• Rash lasts more than 4 weeks
• You think your child needs to be seen
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Mild ringworm

Care Advice for Ringworm

What You Should Know About Ringworm:

• Ringworm is a fungus infection of the skin.
• Often it's caught from puppies or kittens that have it.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Anti-Fungal Cream:

• Use an anti-fungal cream (such as Lotrimin AF) 2 times per day. No prescription is needed.
• Put it on the rash and 1 inch (2.5 cm) beyond its borders.
• Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.

Return to School:

• Your child doesn't have to miss any child care or school for ringworm.
• Sometimes, ringworm of the skin can be passed on to others. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Ringworm from pets is not passed from human to human. It is only passed from animal to human.
• After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all.
• Wrestlers: can return to wrestling after 3 days of treatment. Continue treatment until gone.

What to Expect:

• It goes away in 3 to 4 weeks.
• If it comes back, suspect the household puppy or kitten.
• Take your animal to the vet for an exam and treatment.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Rash gets bigger or spreads after 1 week on treatment
• Rash is not gone by 4 weeks
• You think your child needs to be seen
• Your child becomes worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 05/01/2025

Last Revised: 01/25/2025

Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.