Ringworm is not a worm at all. It’s a fungal skin infection—and just about every kid gets it at some point. Children pick up the fungi that cause it from one another, cats and dogs, and dirt. In fact, these fungi are so common that doctors can rarely pinpoint the exact source of a child’s rash.
Ringworm often starts as a little red bump, then turns into a raised red round or oval ring over the next few days. However, not all-round skin lesions are ringworm. How can you tell the difference? Ringworm usually shows up as only one or two lesions, whereas other round rashes (like eczema or a harmless one called pityriasis rosea) cover more ground.
Treating ringworm on the body requires applying an antifungal cream twice a day, often for two to three weeks. The fungi extend beyond the visible lesion, so be sure to apply it liberally. When ringworm affects the scalp, oral medication is the only way to get rid of it.
READ MORE: Worms in kids: types, symptoms & treatment written by Dr Maraschin, Expert Paediatrician
source: https://www.parents.com/
