RINGWORM
RINGWORM -
(Tinea Corporis)
WHAT IS RINGWORM
Ringworm of the body is common. It can appear on the arms, chest, and abdomen, and more rarely on the face. It starts as a tiny red spot, which slowly grows in a circular fashion, clearing in the center as it enlarges. The edges remain reddish and scaly. Most children have a single lesion, but on occasion, a child will develop more.
TREATMENT
Ringworm of the body, feet, and groin can be treated easily with medicines like Tinactin, Lotrimin, and related compounds. The first treatment renders children noncontagious. Children can stay in school during treatment as long as the lesions are kept covered.
RINGWORM OF THE SCALP -
(Tinea Capitis)Ringworm of the scalp typically has small patches of baldness (1-3 inches in diameter) that may well be unnoticed under long hair. Boys and girls are equally susceptible, but almost never after puberty. Since the infection affects the hair shaft itself, close inspection reveals tiny, broken-off hairs about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. Ringworm of the scalp is highly contagious and spreads easily when children share hats, combs, hair ribbons, barrettes, or pillows.
TREATMENT
The treatment is always oral medication. Topical ointments will not cure ringworm of the scalp. A complete cure requires daily oral medication is required for 4 to 6 weeks. The contagious period may be just a few days it could be up to two weeks. The school will need a note from a doctor stating that child is noncontagious before the child may return to school.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL YOUR SCHOOL NURSE