On the scalp, ringworm can cause pink, swollen patches that can lead to hair loss.  Ringowrm infection of thenails can cause discoloration (white, yellow or black), thickening and cracking of the nails.  The fungus also commonly develops between the toes, known as "athlete's foot".

How is it Spread?
Ringworm can spread to other areas on the person's body and to other people.  It is spread by touching or scratching the lesions and then touching other skin.  It can also spread by direct skin to skin contact between people and sharing contaminated combs, brushes, hats, clothes, towels, and bedding.  Dogs and cats can also spread ringworm.  lfungus infection of the feet spreads from warm, moist environments such as showers and pools.

When is it Contagious?
Ringworm is contagious as long as the rash or lesions are present.  After exposure to ringworm, it can take 4 days to 2 weeks to develop symptoms.

How is it Diagnosed and Treated?
Ringworm is usually diagnosed by the typical symptoms.  Sometimes, lesions are examined with a special light that identifies the fungus.  Skin or scalp scrapings may be cultured or examined under a microscope.  Teeatment for ringworm infection is antifungal medication:  for skin infections, antifungal cream or body lotion is used;  for infections of the scalp and nails, oral medication is necessary for at least 1-2 months; for fungal infections of the feet, the feet should also be kept clean and dry.

Should the Child Stay Home?
A child with ringworm does not need to stay home after treatment is begun.

How Can We Limit the Spread?

• Since ringworm may spread to other children, adults, and animals in child care and the family, check everyone carefully, and refer for medical evaluation and treatment if necessary.
• Pets with skin rashes should be evaluated and treated by the veterinarian.
• For ringworm of the scalp, clean and disinfect combs and brushes.
• Fur fungal infection of the feet, clean showers and bathe well.
• Keep lesions covered if possible.  Avoid touching the lesions except to clean them.
• Wash hands - child's and caregiver's - after contact with the lesions.
• Do not share combs, burshes, clothes, towels, or bedding.
• Separate personal clothes (e.g., jackest) and bedding in individual cubbies for each child.

Information provided on this page is not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of medical treatment.  The recommendations do not indicate a course of treatment or medical care.

These are guidelines to develop policies and procedures for preventing, recognizing and managing communicable disease in child care.  If the children in your care have been exposed to this disease, you may copy this exposure notice and hand out to your day care parents.

This Exposure Notice has been copied from "Keeping Kids Healthy, Preventing and Managing Communicable Disease in Child Care", a project of the The Center for Health Training funded by the California Department of Education, Child Development Division.