Does your child have a circular, flaky rash with a raised, red border" There?s a good chance it?s ringworm. While the name is enough to make your skin crawl, ringworm isn?t as scary as it sounds. In fact, it isn?t even caused by a worm?it?s named after its raised, ring-like appearance. And the good news is, it?s treatable. Here?s everything you need to know about ringworm in kids.
What is ringworm"
Ringworm is a common fungal infection. It?s caused by fungi known as dermatophytes, which feed on the keratin in hair, nails, and dead skin. Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist environments.
The medical term for ringworm is ?tinea.? It can affect the body (tinea corporis), the scalp (tinea capitis), the groin (tinea cruris, or jock itch), or the feet (tinea pedis, or athlete?s foot). Ringworm symptoms
The symptoms of ringworm vary depending on what part of the body it?s located.
Ringworm on the body (tinea corporis) shows up as circular or oval patches of flaky skin with red, raised borders. It may or may not itch, and it sometimes becomes inflamed and can have visible small pustules.
Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) can cause round patches of scaly and itchy skin, black dots, broken hairs, or hair loss. Severe cases can develop into a kerion?an inflamed, pus-filled mass that is sometimes accompanied by a fever.
Ringworm on the groin (tinea cruris) affects the buttocks and genitals, and spreads down the inner thighs. It looks similar to tinea corporis, and can be...