Kids' health - common conditions: Ringworm
Ringworm
What is it? Nothing to do with worms - it's a fungal skin infection.
What are the symptoms? Typical things to watch out for are:
- A circular, red inflamed patch of skin
- Your child is likely to itch
What should I do? You can get an anti-fungal cream from pharmacies or else get a prescription from your doctor. It's very infectious, so don't share flannels or towels.
How long will it last? Once the cream is used, it should clear up in around 4 weeks.
When will they get it? It can happen at any age and is very easily passed on from one person to another, so keep the infected area covered.
What if my child doesn't get it? Don't think they're safe once they get older. You can catch ringworm very easily, if you come into contact with an infected surface.
- Find out more about ringworm in children
More common conditions
- Appendicitis
- Chicken pox
- Croup
- German measles/Rubella
- Glue ear
- Head lice/Nits
- Measles
- Mumps
- Scarlet fever
- Slapped cheek syndrome
By Rob Mansfield
Average rating:
