Ringworm can you go to school

If not, the infection can come back and spread to other parts of the body. To help heal the skin, it's important to keep the affected area clean and dry. Your child should:. Most mild cases of ringworm usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks.

But treatment might be needed for up to 3 months if the infection is more serious, or affects the nails or the scalp. Reviewed by: Michelle P. Tellado, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Ringworm? What Causes Ringworm? Is Ringworm Contagious? Ringworm can spread: from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact, especially in warm, damp environments to other areas of the body if a person touches the affected area and then touches other body parts, such as the hands from animals to people How Do People Get Ringworm?

How Is Ringworm Diagnosed? How Is Ringworm Treated? Your child should: Wash and then dry the area with a clean towel. They can look at the rash and recommend the best antifungal medicine. This might be a cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is. You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. It's important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away. It's fine for your child to go to school or nursery once they have started treatment.

Ringworm affects both humans and animals. Ringworm gets its name from the raised, ring-shaped pattern the infection forms when it is on the skin. Ringworm is not an actual worm. The medical term for ringworm is tinea. On the body and groin: it begins as a ring-shaped, flat, scaly rash.

Gradually the ring becomes larger and raised, with the inside of the ring clearing. Ringworm on the skin or groin usually appears four to 10 days after contact with an infected person, pet or surface.

On the scalp: ringworm starts as a small pimple that grows larger and creates patches of dry, scaly, bald skin. The hair can become brittle and break off. Sometimes crusty areas develop, which may be mistaken for dandruff.

If left untreated, the area can become boggy spongy , discharge pus and develop areas of hair loss. This form of ringworm is most common in children. Scalp ringworm usually appears 10 to 14 days after contact with an infected person, pet or surface.

On the fingernails: if the nail bed becomes infected, it can become thick, brittle and discoloured. On the feet: ringworm causes dry, cracked skin, most often between the toes. It can be quite itchy. Fungi grow in moist, warm areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, then spreads when a person touches someone else or through contact with infected items like combs, unwashed clothing or shower and pool surfaces.

Usually the skin can be treated with an antifungal ointment or cream that is applied to the infected area for at least weeks. For more severe infections and scalp infections, prescription medication may need to be taken orally by mouth. Last updated: July Home Health conditions and treatments Current: Ringworm. Ringworm What is ringworm?