{"id":17306,"date":"2020-12-29T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2020-12-29T14:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=17306"},"modified":"2020-12-17T15:52:04","modified_gmt":"2020-12-17T20:52:04","slug":"ringworm-in-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ringworm-in-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"The parent\u2019s guide to ringworm in kids"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endless coughs and sneezes, runny noses, and unexplained itchy bumps\u2014kids seem to be a magnet for germs. In our parent\u2019s guide to childhood illnesses, we talk about the symptoms and treatments for the most common conditions. Read the full series <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/tag\/common-childhood-illnesses\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <a href=\"#ringworm\">What is ringworm?<\/a> | <a href=\"#symptoms\">Symptoms<\/a> | <a href=\"#ringwormvsother\">Ringworm vs. other rashes<\/a> | <a href=\"#diagnosis\">Diagnosis<\/a> | <a href=\"#treatments\">Treatments<\/a> | <a href=\"#prevention\">Prevention<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">True or false: Ringworm is caused by a creepy crawly that burrows under the skin? Most people are surprised to find out that this condition has nothing to do with worms. Rather, it\u2019s a contagious skin infection that easily spreads after direct contact with an infected area. It\u2019s common\u2014at least <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/a_to_z\/ringworm-tinea-a-to-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people have at least one infection in their lifetimes\u2014but it\u2019s also treatable, usually without serious complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ringworm\">What is ringworm?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm, also known as tinea or dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin and nails. There are 40 different species that cause ringworm, falling into three genuses: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. The condition gets its name from its hallmark symptom: a round, itchy rash.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt can present on almost any part of the body except for the mucosal skin,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/smartstyletoday.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anna H. Chacon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in South Florida, who serves on the advisory board for Smart Style Today. \u201cI have seen it on the face, genitalia, trunk, extremities, and scalp. It can have varying degrees of severity.\u201d The infection is referred to differently depending on where it presents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/fungal\/diseases\/ringworm\/definition.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (CDC), it\u2019s called:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinea pedis on the feet (commonly referred to as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/athletes-foot-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">athlete\u2019s foot<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinea cruris on the groin area, inner thighs, or buttocks (commonly referred to as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/jock-itch-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">jock itch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinea capitis on the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinea barbae on the beard (commonly referred to as barber\u2019s itch)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinea manuum on the hands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinea unguium on toenails and fingernails<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinea corporis on other parts of the body, such as arms or legs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm of the scalp and body are the most common types of ringworm in young children. The other forms are rare before puberty: They generally affect teens and adults.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are 40 different species that cause ringworm, falling into three genuses: Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you catch ringworm?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cRingworm is spread through direct contact\u2014often from person to person, contaminated surface to person, or pet to person,\u201d says<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mdmercy.com\/centers-of-excellence\/womens-health\/family-childbirth-and-childrens-center\/our-doctors\/pediatricians\/ashanti-w-woods-md\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ashanti Woods, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. \u201cOften one touches a contaminated surface and has the fungus on their hand. They then scratch themselves and embed the fungus that was on their hand into their skin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm infections often occur in schools, childcare centers, community gyms, and pools. It can be carried on any surface, but some of the highest risks include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surfaces that are wet or damp<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Towels, combs, brushes, hats, and other personal items<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gym mats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shared spaces that tend to be warm and moist, such as bathrooms and locker rooms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other risk factors for contracting ringworm include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living in a warm humid climate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malnourishment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor hygiene<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Playing contact sports (particularly wrestling as it involves skin to skin contact)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A weakened immune system (through illness or medication)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While ringworm can take several weeks to fully cure, it is<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seattlechildrens.org\/conditions\/a-z\/ringworm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no longer spread to others<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after 48 hours of treatment. Children do not need to miss<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/back-to-school-health-tips\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">school or daycare<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for ringworm, but if possible, it is a good idea to cover the affected area with clothing or a loose bandage during the infectious period to prevent potential spread to other children or caregivers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"symptoms\">Ringworm symptoms in children<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm gets its name from the rash\u2019s \u201cworm-like\u201d appearance. \u201cTypically, ringworm starts off as a red pimple that grows out into a ring with a raised border and smooth clear central area,\u201d Dr. Woods says. \u201cRingworm of the scalp typically leads to bald patches with crusting or flaking\/scaling of the skin. Occasionally, the lymph nodes closest to the area of inflammation will swell up and may become painful to touch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of ringworm of the body<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/diseases\/a-z\/ringworm-symptoms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">include<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ring-like rash with a raised edge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The center of the ring <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/health-issues\/conditions\/skin\/Pages\/Ringworm.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">often becomes less red<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as the lesion gets bigger\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchiness in the rash area\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On light-colored skin, patches usually appear red or pink. On dark-colored skin, patches tend to be brown or gray. Patches can appear in one or multiple areas and grow slowly in size.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of ringworm of the scalp include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patchy, flaky, or scaly patches or sores<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair loss that causes bald patches or blisters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itchiness or tenderness of the scalp<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the patches become infected, they can become a kerion, a pus-filled mass that leads to swollen and tender lymph nodes in the head and neck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ringwormvsother\">Ringworm vs. other rashes<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are some conditions that can be mistaken for ringworm, in order of most common to least common. When in doubt, make an appointment with your child\u2019s primary care provider to confirm the diagnosis.<\/span>What should I do if suspect my child has ringworm?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-17451 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/122320_Ringworm_vs_other_rashes.png\" alt=\"Ringworm in kids vs. other rashes\" width=\"2109\" height=\"3002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/122320_Ringworm_vs_other_rashes.png 2109w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/122320_Ringworm_vs_other_rashes-211x300.png 211w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/122320_Ringworm_vs_other_rashes-719x1024.png 719w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/122320_Ringworm_vs_other_rashes-768x1093.png 768w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/122320_Ringworm_vs_other_rashes-1079x1536.png 1079w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/122320_Ringworm_vs_other_rashes-1439x2048.png 1439w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2109px) 100vw, 2109px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What should I do if suspect my child has ringworm?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c[Diagnosis of ringworm] can be made by examination alone,\u201d says Dr. Woods. \u201cOccasionally, a physician or nurse practitioner may take a skin scraping or skin culture to confirm it&#8217;s ringworm.\u201d The provider may also look at the rash under a black fluorescent light.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because other conditions can mimic ringworm, it\u2019s a good idea to see a healthcare professional to confirm a diagnosis. Ringworm can be diagnosed by a general practitioner (family doctor), nurse practitioner, dermatologist, or pediatrician.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a healthcare provider within 24 hours if pus is present, the rash is warm to the touch, painful, or has streaking beyond the initial lesions, or if your child had a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/atypical-lyme-disease-symptoms\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recent tick bite<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and a rash that looks like ringworm appears.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a healthcare provider during office hours if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your child has a fever 101 or greater.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your child is less than 12 months old.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are unsure if the rash is ringworm.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scalp is involved.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rash gets bigger or spreads after one week of treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than three lesions are present.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rash lasts longer than four weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your child has a weakened immune system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your child participates in contact sports.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"treatments\">Treatments for ringworm in kids<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSometimes the body can clear ringworm on its own,\u201d says Susan Bard, MD, a dermatologist at<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.vivedermatology.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vive Dermatology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Brooklyn, New York. \u201cBut oftentimes [ringworm] will require medical intervention.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm of the body<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases, ringworm of the body can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, without involvement of medical professionals\u2014but it is not possible to get rid of ringworm fast.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe treatment for ringworm of the body is an OTC topical antifungal such as clotrimazole cream (Lotrimin),\u201d Dr. Woods says. \u201cIt is applied to the affected area twice a day for four weeks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/terconazole-vs-miconazole\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> antifungal creams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for treatment of ringworm include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desenex, DermaFungal, and Micaderm (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/miconazole\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">miconazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lamisil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lamisil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/terbinafine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">terbinafine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lotrimin, Mycelex (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/miconazole\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clotrimazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xolegel <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ketoconazole\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(ketoconazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm of the scalp<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription from a healthcare professional, and treatment usually<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/fungal\/diseases\/ringworm\/treatment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lasts one to three months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cRingworm of the scalp is treated with oral antifungal medicines and topical antifungal shampoo,\u201d says Dr. Woods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription antifungal medications used to treat ringworm of the scalp include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/diflucan\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diflucan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fluconazole\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fluconazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/griseofulvin-microsize\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">griseofulvin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Onmel,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/sporanox\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sporanox<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/itraconazole\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">itraconazole<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/terbinafine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Terbinafine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While ringworm can frequently be treated with OTC medications,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/tinea-infections-ringworm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home remedies are not effective<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"prevention\">How to prevent ringworm in kids<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is common for ringworm to recur, and it can spread to other members of the household. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/diseases\/a-z\/ringworm-self-care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some ways to ensure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a ringworm infection clears up completely, and to help prevent its spread to other family members include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Use all medication as directed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and for as long as is recommended\u2014even if the ringworm appears to be gone.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Treat all ringworm at the same time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (areas of the body, and people in the house who are infected). In the case of ringworm of the scalp, it is helpful to have the whole household use the antifungal shampoo whether or not they are showing symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Practice proper handwashing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014especially those who have touched the area affected by ringworm, such as the child and the person administering treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Keep your child\u2019s body clean and dry<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially the area affected by ringworm. Develop good hygiene habits such as regular bathing, and gently towel off after every shower, bath, or swim. (Use a different towel for the affected area than for the rest of the body.) If your child has recurrent infections, consider drying specific areas (groin, between toes) with a hair dryer on the cool setting. Keep up this practice even once the ringworm is gone to help prevent a recurrence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Have your child wear breathable clothing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (clothes that don\u2019t make the child sweat), and change their clothes (including socks and underwear) every day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Encourage your child to shower when sweaty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and avoid sharing towels or other personal items such as hats, combs, and headbands. Use shower shoes in communal bathrooms or public places.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Disinfect or throw out items that may be contaminated<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from contact with an infected person. Ringworm can live on surfaces for a long time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Watch your pet for signs of ringworm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and take it to the vet if any are observed. If ringworm keeps recurring, it would be a good idea to have your pets examined to see if they are the source of the infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringworm is unpleasant and stubborn. It\u2019s easy to catch, hard to get rid of, and is generally a nuisance. Thankfully, with OTC and prescription medication, it usually goes away fully, and without lasting effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Endless coughs and sneezes, runny noses, and unexplained itchy bumps\u2014kids seem to be a magnet for germs. In our parent\u2019s guide to childhood illnesses, we talk about the symptoms and treatments for the most common conditions. Read the full series here. What is ringworm? | Symptoms | Ringworm vs. other rashes | Diagnosis | Treatments [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":94,"featured_media":17443,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[3564,19608],"coauthors":[8622],"class_list":["post-17306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-children","tag-common-childhood-illnesses","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ringworm in kids: The parent\u2019s guide to symptoms and treatment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ringworm is common and usually mild, but it can be tough to get rid of. 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