Health Library

Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin seen most often on the scalp, body, feet (“athlete’s foot“), or groin (“jock itch“). Ringworm isn’t a worm — its name comes from how it looks, like a red ring or group of rings with clear centers.

Signs and Symptoms

On the skin:

• starts as a red, scaly patch or bump
• itching
• discomfort
• usually shaped like a circle with raised, tiny bumps around the edges (often with a scaly center)

On the scalp:

• may start as a round, reddish, pimple-like sore
• becomes patchy, flaky, scaly, or crusty (may first be mistaken for dandruff)
• causes swelling, soreness, redness, bald patches (usually circular), and broken hairs

What to Do

• Call your doctor if you think your child has signs of ringworm.
• Follow the doctor’s treatment instructions carefully. Depending on the type and site of the infection, these may include using over-the-counter or prescription cream for the skin, or prescription oral (taken by mouth) medicine for the scalp.
• Discourage your child from picking at the infected area because this could cause another type of infection.
• Call your doctor if the area gets redder, is swollen, or develops pus.

Think Prevention!

Prevent ringworm by encouraging your kids to:

• not share combs, brushes, hair accessories, pillows, hats, cellphones, and headphones
• wear flip-flops at the pool or in the locker room shower
• wash sports clothing regularly
• shower after contact sports
• wash their hands well and often