How to Get Rid of Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that is highly contagious and can spread quickly. If your child gets it, alert his friends' parents to prevent an epidemic. Treatment can take weeks.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Combs
• Griseofulvin
• Shampoos For Normal Hair
• Terbinafine
• prescriptions drugs, as directed

1. Part back a section of hair so you can see the scalp.

2. Look for one or several round patches of redness with spots around the edges, red rings or scaling skin.

3. Take your child to the family doctor or pediatrician if you spot any of these symptoms. The doctor may prescribe medication to be taken for up to four weeks.

4. Apply over-the-counter cream to your child's scalp for small patches of ringworm.

5. Shampoo your child's hair two to three times a week. In some cases Selsun Blue works well, but it can be very irritating to children and people with tender skin. Try using the over-the-counter creams with your usual shampoo.

6. Let school or day care officials know your child has ringworm.

7. Use different combs, brushes, hats, caps, hair bows and hair clips for each family member.

8. Check each member of the household for ringworm, including pets.

9. Wash your hands after you touch your child's scalp.

10. Ask your child to wash his hands frequently, especially after he brushes his hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Ringworm will cause hair to become brittle and break off. In most cases, this is only temporary. In some cases, scalp scarring will occur.

• Some experts advise seeing a doctor before beginning treatment for ringworm of the scalp in children.

• Try the nonprescription drug Lamisil. It contains terbinafine, which has just been approved for over-the-counter use. Apply it twice a day with a cotton swab. You must be consistent in your application, and you must continue applying the cream for at least two weeks.

• Ringworm can affect adults as well on the scalp, feet (athlete's foot), groin ("jock itch") and sometimes over the entire body.

• Untreated ringworm can lead to impetigo, a subclinical skin infection.

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.