A fungus infection of the skin transmitted from puppies or kittens who have it, or from the soil.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
Doesn't look like ringworm, see RASHES, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN.
(To go directly to this topic, click on the link following this document.)
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR RINGWORM
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If
Pus is draining from the rash.
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
You think your child needs to be seen.
Scalp is involved.
More than 3 spots are present.
You have other questions or concerns.
Parent Care at Home If
Mild ringworm and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR RINGWORM OF THE BODY
1. Antifungal Cream:
Use Micatin or Lotrimin cream (no prescription needed) 2 times per day.
Apply it to the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders.
Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared.
2. Contagiousness: Ringworm of the skin is mildly contagious. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact. The type acquired from pets is not transmitted from human to human, only from animal to human. After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm is not contagious at all. Your child doesn't have to miss any day care or school for ringworm.
3. Expected Course: It clears completely in 3 to 4 weeks. For any recurrences, suspect the household puppy or kitten and take it to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
4. Call Your Doctor If:
Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment.
Rash is not cleared by 4 weeks.
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
