Ringworm in kids: treatment for this common school infection.

How to identify ringworm symptoms in children.

Ringworm creates characteristic circular or ring-shaped patches that are red, scaly, and slightly raised around the edges. The center often appears clearer than the outer ring, creating the distinctive "ring" pattern that gives this infection its name.

• On the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm causes round bald patches with broken hairs and flaky skin. It can look like dandruff, but the flakes are thicker and appear in clear circles. Children might develop black dots where hair has broken off at the surface.
• On the body (tinea corporis). The infection shows up as circular patches that are red and scaly around the edges, with clearer skin in the middle. These rings commonly appear on arms, legs, or trunk and can be coin-sized or larger if left untreated.
• Early warning signs. Ringworm warning signs include small, red, scaly spots that gradually expand outward while the center clears. The affected area is often itchy, though some children aren't bothered by it. Unlike eczema, ringworm patches have distinct, raised borders that feel different from surrounding skin.

Ringworm spreads outward in a circle, which helps tell it apart from bug bites or other rashes. If you’re unsure, a CityMD provider can quickly check the spot and recommend the right treatment.

Effective ringworm treatment for kids.

Treatment depends on where the infection appears. Body ringworm usually responds well to over-the-counter creams, while scalp infections need prescription medication.

• Creams. Most cases of body ringworm clear with antifungal creams such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole. Apply to the rash and a bit beyond the edge. Keep using it for two weeks after the rash looks gone to stop it from coming back.
• Prescription oral medications. These are necessary for scalp ringworm because topical treatments can't penetrate hair follicles effectively. These pills, like griseofulvin or terbinafine, are typically taken daily for 6-12 weeks. While they’re very effective, they need healthcare provider monitoring.
• Treatment expectations. Body ringworm often starts improving within days and clears in 2-4 weeks. Scalp infections take longer, typically 6-8 weeks of medication, and hair may take several months to regrow.
• Home care support. This includes keeping infected areas clean and dry, washing hands frequently, and changing clothing and bedding daily. Wash items in hot water to kill fungal spores.

School return guidelines and prevention strategies.

Most schools let kids return 24-48 hours after treatment begins, as long as the rash is covered. Rules can vary, so it’s best to check with your school.

At home, you can lower the risk of ringworm spreading by making a few simple changes:

• Avoid sharing combs, towels, hats, or clothes
• Wash bedding and clothing in hot water (at least 140°F)
• Disinfect surfaces that touched the rash
• Watch family members for new rashes

Some activities may need medical clearance, especially contact sports like wrestling or gymnastics. Kids usually need to wait until the infection heals before swimming.

Ringworm prevention.

To prevent future infections, remind kids not to share personal items at school, practice good hygiene, and shower after sports. Keeping skin clean and dry (especially in sweaty areas) also lowers risk.

Environmental cleaning involves regular disinfection of shared surfaces and equipment. Consider having pets examined, as they can also carry ringworm.

At CityMD, our doctors can quickly diagnose and treat ringworm and provide school notes when needed. With extended hours and many locations, we make it easy to get care so your child can return to school and play safely.