Ringworm
Ringworm isn't a worm, but a fungal infection of the scalp or skin that got its name from the ring or series of rings that it can produce. Ringworm may first appear on your child as a red, scaly patch or bump on the skin that becomes very itchy. It may cause your child to experience dandruff-like scaling and hair loss (with broken stubbles of hair).
Symptoms of Ringworm
Ringworm of the scalp may start as a small sore that resembles a pimple before becoming patchy, flaky, or scaly. These flakes may be confused with dandruff. It may cause some hair to fall out or break into stubbles. It can also cause the scalp to become swollen, tender, and red.
Sometimes, there may be a swollen, inflamed mass known as a kerion, which oozes fluid. These symptoms can be confused with impetigo or cellulitis. The distinctive features of ringworm are itching, redness on the skin, and a circular patchy lesion that spreads along its borders and clears at the center.
Ringworm of the nails may affect one or more nails on your child's hands or feet. The nails may become thick, white or yellowish, and brittle.
If you suspect that your child has ringworm, you may want to call your child's doctor.
Treating Ringworm
Ringworm is fairly easy to diagnose and treat. Most of the time, the doctor can diagnose it by looking at it or by scraping off a small sample of the flaky infected skin to test for the fungus. The doctor may recommend an antifungal ointment for ringworm of the skin or an oral medication for ringworm of the scalp and nails.
Preventing Ringworm
A child usually gets ringworm from another infected person, so it's important to encourage your child to avoid sharing combs, brushes, pillows, and hats with others.
Jock Itch
Jock itch, an infection of the groin and upper thighs, got its name because cases are commonly seen in active kids who sweat a lot while playing sports. But the fungus that causes the jock itch infection can thrive on the skin of any kids who spend time in hot and humid weather, wear tight clothing like bathing suits that cause friction, share towels and clothing, and don't completely dry off their skin. It can last for weeks or months if it goes untreated.
Symptoms of Jock Itch
The symptoms of jock itch may include:
- itching, chafing, or burning in the groin, thigh, or anal area
- skin redness in the groin, thigh, or anal area
- flaking, peeling, or cracking skin
Treating Jock Itch
Jock itch can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays. If you are using one of these substances, make sure that your child takes the following steps so that the treatment is as effective as possible:
- Wash and then dry the area using a clean towel.
- Apply the antifungal cream, powder, or spray as directed on the label.
- Change clothing, especially the underwear, every day.
- Continue this treatment for 2 weeks, even if symptoms disappear, to prevent the infection from recurring.
If the ointment or spray is not effective, you may want to call your child's doctor, who can prescribe other treatment. |
