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Ringworm is a fungal
infection of the skin that commonly occurs on the head, body or feet. It
is highly contagious. It may be passed from cats, dogs or humans to other
people. There are specific things you can do to prevent ringworm.
Body:
- Avoid touching or handling
infected animals.
- Avoid wearing someone
else’s clothes.
Feet:
- Wear sandals in showers
where others shower.
- Wear shoes that let air
get to the feet.
- Dry carefully between toes
after bathing.
- Wear clean white cotton
socks daily.
Scalp: See
below
If your child
has ringworm:
- Use medicine as directed.
- Call your child’s doctor
for an appointment if the infection doesn’t improve within two weeks.
If you have
questions call your child’s doctor.
Ringworm of the
Scalp (Tinea Capitis)
How to recognize
ringworm of the scalp:
- Frequent scratching of the
head.
- Scalp flaking that looks
like dandruff.
- Small scaly patches over
the scalp.
- Areas of hair loss or
thinning hair.
- Small black dots on the
scalp where hairs have been broken off.
- Red pimple-like bumps or
pus-filled bumps.
Things to do to
reduce the spread of ringworm of the scalp:
- Wash hands frequently.
- DO NOT share hats, combs,
brushes, barrettes, hair ribbons or pillows.
- Wash combs and brushes
frequently in hot soapy water.
- Avoid tight braids.
Treatment for
ringworm of the scalp:
An oral medication to be
given daily for several weeks will be prescribed. This medication should
be given as directed until it is all gone. The fungal infection may not
completely go away if all the medication is not completely taken.
Selenium sulfide (Sebulex®,
Selsum Blue® or Gold®) or Nizoral® shampoo is often recommended to be
used 2-3 times per week to help the fungus go away. Your entire family
should use this shampoo 2-3 times each week until the fungal infection has
ended.
Special
instructions
- The school nurse should be
told that your child has ringworm of the scalp. She will need to check
your child’s classmates for the same problem. Your child may
return to school as soon as the treatment begins.
- Be sure to keep all
follow-up appointments. Your child will need to be checked that the
fungal infection is clearing. Additional medication may be needed to
complete your child’s treatment. Another fungal culture may be obtained.
- Other instructions:
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