Ringworm is a type of fungal infection, which is easy to treat. This article provides some information about the treatment of this medical condition for kids.
The occurrence of ringworm in children is quite common, and is caused due to a mold-like fungi. These fungi thrive in humid and warm environment, and if adequate body cleanliness is not maintained, then the fungi grows and the infection spreads. The good news is that the treatment for this fungal infection is quite easy, and by following a good hygiene regime and using the appropriate medications, this infection can be gotten rid of.
Symptoms
The treatment for body ringworm, nail ringworm, and scalp ringworm is different. Here are the symptoms of each of these types:
Body ringworm infection symptoms are:
- red circular lesion that has raised edges
- ring-like rash, because the middle of the lesion becomes less red as the lesion develops
- itching on the affected skin region
Scalp ringworm infection symptoms are:
- red scaly rash on scalp
- rash on other skin areas
- itching on scalp
- hair loss
Nail ringworm symptoms are:
- yellow coloring of the nails
- the ends of the nails become thick
Treatment
Ringworm is often misdiagnosed for other conditions like nummular eczema (inflammatory skin condition) and pityriasis rosea (itchy rash condition). So, it is important that one is sure that the child actually has ringworm skin disorder. One can use the aforementioned list of the symptoms, to check if the child is affected by the same, if one wishes to use the home remedies to treat the same. However, to be on a safer side, one can just visit a skin doctor, to get the appropriate treatment.
Medical Treatment
The doctor will prescribe a topical antifungal cream or spray for the treatment. The doctor will also prescribe an oral medication to cure the infection. Some over-the-counter antifungal creams used for treating it are Tinactin (Tolnaftate), Micatin (Miconazole), and Lotrimin (Clotrimazole). Oral medication like Nizoral (Ketoconazole) and Lamisil (Terbinafine) are prescribed. Ringworm treatment for babies is the same. These medications can be purchased from the chemist’s without prescription too.
Children who have scalp ringworm infection, need to use a medicated shampoo which contains selenium sulfide. This shampoo helps to kill the ringworm spores and prevents the infection from spreading to others. To use the shampoo, lather the hair and scalp with the shampoo, and let it sit for five minutes. Then, wash it off with water. The shampoo needs to be used at least 2-3 times a week for a month, or according to the doctor’s instructions. On other days, milder non-medicated shampoos can be used.
Self-Care Measures
Children who have this condition, can attend school or day care. However, it is important to maintain cleanliness. Encourage the child to maintain it by washing hands frequently, and refraining from scratching the infected skin area. Also, avoiding skin contact with other children is important, as this can spread the infection further.
While using the antifungal creams, keep the affected area clean and dry, and apply the cream twice a day, or according to the instructions mentioned on the product. Also, the child should avoid using other children’ combs, pillows, hats, or brushes.
Many home remedies like mustard seeds paste, tea tree oil mix, turmeric paste, and butea seeds paste are used to treat this infection. If one wishes to use any home remedies, then make sure to keep a check on the symptoms. If the infection doesn’t go away within 4 days of use of home remedies or the symptoms become worse while using any of the home remedies, do seek medical help.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
