Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is highly contagious and can affect the scalp, the face, the body, the feet or nails. Ringworm affects both humans and animals.

Ringworm gets its name from the raised circular pattern that the infection forms on the skin.

The most likely means of infection come from direct skin contact with an infected person or pet. Contact with an object or surface that an infected person or pet has touched is also likely.

Signs and symptoms

Ringworm is caused by a fungus. Ringworm on the body begins as a ring-shaped, flat rash. Gradually the ring becomes larger and spreads, with the inside of the ring clearing. The outside of the ring can be either dry and scaly or wet and crusted.

The signs include:

On the scalp, ringworm starts as a small pimple that grows larger and creates patches of dry, bald skin. The hair can become brittle and break off and sometimes yellowish, crusty areas develop. This form of ringworm is most common in children.
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. (Also called Athlete’s foot or tinea).
On the skin (including the groin, genitals, inner thighs and buttocks), ringworm causes a red, itchy rash in the moist skin folds. As the rash gradually expands, its centre clears to produce a ring.

Scalp ringworm usually appears 10 to 14 days after contact and ringworm of the skin 4 to 10 days after contact.

The skin is the most common place to find ringworm.

How it is spread

Ringworm is spread by contact with humans, animals and contaminated objects.
Humans are most likely to get infected from contact with other people who already have ringworm, school playgrounds, gyms, contaminated clothing, bath mats, towels, damp floors and showers.

Ringworm is very contagious and it is important to avoid direct contact with the infected person or pet and not share personal items. Make sure hands are washed and dried well after contact.

Treatment

Ringworm can be treated effectively with most anti-fungal medications. Early treatment is important and your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you.

Ringworm is difficult to prevent as it is very common and is contagious even before symptoms appear.

It is important to:

Avoid contact with infected people. Where this is not possible, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them well.
Pay special attention to drying moist areas on the body.
Don't share brushes, combs, hats, clothing or linen with an infected child.
Do not walk in bare feet on damp floors or in communal showers.
Avoid contact with infected pets and wash your pets with anti-fungal solution.
Don't let an infected child use communal pools or baths until you have started the appropriate treatment.
Wash clothing and linen (eg.sheets and pillowcases) often and with hot water.
If you have ringworm on the feet spray all shoes with antifungal spray (eg. Dr. Scholl) to help stop your feet being re-infected after treatment.

Key points to remember

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is highly contagious and affects the scalp, the body, the feet or nails.
Ringworm is spread by contact with someone who has ringworm, or by touching an object which may contain the fungus (eg. brushes, showers or towels).
Good hygiene is important — wash hands well with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.

Further information

Your local doctor
Victorian Department of Human Services, Telephone: 1300 651 160
Victorian Government Health Services

Developed by the RCH Kids Health Info. First published September, 2008.