In some cases, in spite of taking the required amount of care, you may come across ringworm in babies. This is actually a fungal infection, although the name suggests otherwise. Scroll down for more information.
While bathing your baby did you notice a ring shaped rash on any part of the body? The size of the rash is about the size of a silver dollar. The strange rash may be ringworm. It is a fungal infection of the skin, which can be itchy and unpleasant, but it is not painful or dangerous. However, it is contagious. Normally, ringworm can be seen after the age of two in children, but it is not uncommon in babies.
Causes
Babies contract ringworm either from an infected pet or person. The fungus may have made its way into towels, clothes, etc. Scalp ringworm is also commonly seen in babies. It can be caused due to infected hairbrushes, combs, hats, etc. If your baby has started walking, there is a chance that he must have picked up the infection on his feet from walking barefoot in an infected locker room or may be from the pool area. According to the experts, people may have genetic tendency to catch ringworm. Excessive sweating may also attract the fungus, which causes the condition.
Symptoms
The most common ringworm symptoms is one or more scaly patch on the babies’ body. The rash is the size of a dime and a quarter. Normally when the rash starts out, it is not round in shape, but when the rash becomes about half an inch in size, they usually form a scaly ring around a smooth center. When the fungus grows, the ring becomes large in size, but does not grow beyond about an inch in diameter. On the other hand, when it affects the scalp, the rash may have less of a ring like appearance. There will either be patchy, scaly areas or bald spots on the baby’s scalp. In some cases, you may also see stubs of broken hair in the middle of the bald spots. The ringworm rash can either be dry or moist and may appear on any part of the body.
Treatment
You may want to consult a pediatrician for the treatment. Normally, over the counter antifungal cream is recommended for ringworm treatment. Normally the antifungal will have to be applied for three to four weeks till the rash is gone. After the rash has gone completely, you will have to continue to apply the antifungal for another week to about 10 days. This will ensure that the fungal infection does not recur.
There are numerous home remedies for this condition. Lavender oil and jojoba oil can be used to cure ringworm. Mix one drop of lavender oil with ten drops of jojoba oil and apply the mixture on the rash about 5 to 6 times a day. Tea tree oil can also be mixed with warm water, dip a clean cloth in it and gently rub the affected area with the mixture. You will have to repeat the process 4 to 5 times a day. Raw papaya slices can be rubbed on patches of ringworm. Similarly dried papaya seeds paste can also be used to treat the condition. Like papaya seeds mustard seeds are also effective in treating ringworm.
If you notice ringworm, it is recommended, you keep other children and adults away from the baby, as this fungal infection is highly contagious. At the same time, keep the baby’s skin dry and clean. If you have pets at home, you will want to ensure, that your pet does not have the infection, as it can easily be passed onto your baby.
