A Parent's Guide to Effectively Managing Ringworm in Kids - April 2025

Ringworm is one of those skin conditions that you don't notice until it starts to really show its ugly face. Then comes the itchy, scaly, painful rashes that never seem to go away. We sat down with Nazatul Amira Hamzah from Primabumi Sdn Bhd to learn more about ringworm in children. Nazatul is a qualified pharmacist with 10 years of experience in pharmacy practice involving both hospital and community settings. She currently holds the position of Pharmacist and Key Account Manager at a renowned pharmaceutical company in Kuala Lumpur. If your child has ringworm or is prone to getting them, here's are some tips from a licensed pharmacist. Question 1: My child has an itchy, red rash with a ring-like shape. What is that? The skin rash your child has is most probably a symptom of ringworm (tinea corporis). Depending on your child's skin tone, it may look red or darker than the surrounding skin. The rash could be dry, itchy, swollen, or scaly. Ringworm is an infection caused by a fungus, and not 'worms'. It can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, body, feet (athlete’s foot), nails, groin (jock itch), and scalp (tinea capitis). Question 2: Are ringworms dangerous and contagious? Ringworm is highly contagious. The itchiness due to ringworm can be extremely uncomfortable for children. It can also often disturb their sleep. It is not life-threatening and normally resolves without complications. However, ringworm can become serious if it goes untreated, or if your child has a weak immune system. Question 3: How did my child get ringworm? You child might have contracted this infection through close contact with: an infected person or animal infected objects like toys, bedsheets or towels infected soil (rare) Question 4: How do I get rid of ringworms in my child? There are various antifungal creams, lotions, sprays, and shampoos available at pharmacies that can treat ringworm. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend which antifungal product is most appropriate to treat your child’s ringworm. This can depend on several factors including age, affected areas, severity, and treatment history. Check with your pharmacist on the correct method of application. They may also refer your child to a doctor if necessary. Question 5: How long does it take to treat ringworm? Most treatment with a topical antifungal takes 4 weeks. However, it can also take up to 8 weeks, depending on the parts of the body affected and the seriousness of the infection. Question 6: I heard that some antifungal creams contain steroids. Does my child really need one? Yes, certain products combine an antifungal and a corticosteroid. The antifungal ingredient takes care of the infection. The corticosteroid helps to ease redness and itchiness. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe an antifungal/steroid product for the first 2 weeks. This is then followed by an antifungal-only product for the remaining weeks. All steroid-containing products can only be supplied by a licensed pharmacist or physician. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your child. Question 7: Can my child still go to school and nursery? Once your kid has started treatment, they are safe to attend nursery or school. However, do inform the teachers that your child is undergoing treatment for ringworm. Question 8: How do I help stop my child’s ringworm from becoming worse or spreading to others? Here are some steps you should take when your child suffers from a skin infection. First, seek professional advice and begin treatment as soon as possible Hygiene is important. Wash your child’s toys, towels and bedsheets regularly, and get your child to regularly wash their hands as well. Next, prevent your child from scratching their itchy skin. If the itchiness is too much for your child to bear, ask your healthcare provider to recommend an antihistamine tablet or syrup. Don’t share your child's towels, bedsheets or combs with others. Keep your child’s skin clean and dry. Don’t let your child’s body be wet for prolonged periods of time, as fungi thrive in moist environments. Pets can get ringworm too and spread it to their owners. So, take your pets to the vet if they exhibit signs of ringworm or other skin infections. Question 10: I've tried many types of antifungal creams to apply to my child, but the ringworm doesn't seem to completely go away. What should I do? There are a number of possible reasons behind antifungal treatment failure. The most common is missed doses or incomplete treatment: A topical antifungal needs to be applied 2 to 3 times a day for at least 4 weeks. If you apply inconsistently or stop before 4 weeks, there’s a risk that the fungal infection has not cleared completely. Another reason is if your child keeps scratching the ringworm areas. This can cause the infection to spread to other parts of the body. Lack of proper nutrition, poor hygiene, an unhealthy lifestyle, and certain illnesses and medicines could compromise your child’s ability to fight off their ringworm infection. If topical antifungal treatment fails, it’s best to consult your doctor. They may prescribe an oral treatment with or without a topical antifungal for your child. Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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