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

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

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.

Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Reviewed: 5/1/2025 Updated: 1/25/2025