Ringworm in children

[happygirl]

Is there anything you can give them over the counter?

 

[JessicaR]

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001439.htm

Treatment

Ringworm usually responds well to self-care within 4 weeks without having to see a doctor.

Keep your skin clean and dry.

Apply over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, lotions, or creams. Those that contain miconazole, clotrimazole, or similar ingredients are often effective.

Wash sheets and nightclothes every day while infected.

A severe or persistent infection may require treatment by a doctor. Antifungal pills may be given and are necessary if your hair is infected. Prescription antifungal skin medications, such as ketoconazole, are stronger than over-the-counter products and may be needed. Antibiotics may also be needed to treat related bacterial infections.

Infected pets also should be treated.

Ringworm is contagious. It can be passed from one person to the next by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated items such as combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces. You can also catch ringworm from pets that carry the fungus. Cats are common carriers.

 

[happygirl]

Thank you!!!

 

[JessicaR]

Thank you!!!

Welcome.

 

[PatsMom]

DD had it when she was young - it responded very well to Neosporin - we never did go see a doctor.

 

[LakeAriel]

10 days of an anti-fungal cream will get rid of it in most cases. My DGS had it under his armpit last summer.
As a PP said, keep the area dry and apply the cream as directed. Don't stop using it as soon as you don't see the rash...it may return.

 

[sha_lyn]

if it is in a moist area you might want to use an anti fugal spray/powder instead of cream or ointment.

 

[happygirl]

Thank you everyone this is my first go around with it!!! I hope I can get rid of it before it pass to everyone in the house

 

[DebbieB]

I had a spot of ringworm on my arm after a trip to WDW a couple of years ago (I swear I got it from having my arm wrapped around a pole standing on a bus). I went to the doctor, they gave me some cream and it just kept getting bigger. I finally had to go to a dermatogist, he took a piece out for biopsy, it was ringworm. The only way I got rid of it was by taking anti-fungel pills ($$$$). So if it doesn't clear up fast, get to a dermatogist. By fooling around, mine lasted over 3 months and got really ugly (and so deep it could not be treated by creams).

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

Why not just go to the doctor? How do you know it's ringworm?

 

[sdarwkcabemanmy]

Ringworm is pretty easy to identify w/o having to go to the dr. A person w/ringworm usually has dime to quarter size flat, red, flaky spots on the affected area.

DS had ringworm last year..some kid in his class gave it to him and it was a real BOOGER to get rid of. We treated it w/OTC antifungal cream for a couple of weeks and when it showed no sign of going away, we took him to the CVS Minute Clinic. The doctor there said sometimes it takes six to eight WEEKS to go away. She then prescribed some heavyduty antifungal cream..stronger than what you can buy OTC and that did the trick.

 

[HunnyPots]

There are plenty of anti-fungal ointments available otc. Pretty much the same stuff you use for athletes foot. If you can't find it, ask the pharmicist.

Just make sure they don't scratch; it is very easy to spread the infection. Treat with ointment and cover with a bandaid.

 

[anniemae]

If you go to the drugstore, just ask the pharmacist, but I think I have heard Lotrimin AF works well. It will say right on the package if it treats ringworm, but the pharmacist will be able to tell your for sure if you should go ahead and use it or see your dr.

 

[TaraPA]

LOL I JUST got back from the grocery store where I bought Lamisil Spray for my boys, who are both complaining of itchy toes - and ringworm has run around the wrestling room this season already. So whether it's ringworm or athlete's foot I'm ready to spray!

 

[beckmrk04]

Ugh- I got it when we got our cat from a shelter a few years ago. What a pain!

I called the Doc and they told me to use OTC Lotrimin cream, and it went away quickly- but like another poster said- keep using the cream even after the spot disappears. And wash everything!

 

[pweyl36]

I 2nd the dr.,but I heard BLUE STAR onitment works. I also have a question,How come people go to the dis board with questions that should be answered by a MD? Just wondering.

 

[E&BMom]

DD has had it a couple times. ( She volunteers at a rescue shelter and the cats had it). We used Lotramin AF and the took care it. Good luck!!

 

[sdarwkcabemanmy]

Because going to a DIS dr is cheaper than going to a real dr? No co-pay, no waiting around for a doctor who is too busy to see you, no snarky nurses.

 

[sha_lyn]

I 2nd the dr.,but I heard BLUE STAR onitment works. I also have a question,How come people go to the dis board with questions that should be answered by a MD? Just wondering.

I wouldn't bother calling an MD about ring worm when it is very easily treated by OTC medicines

 

[Ohiodislover]

Because going to a DIS dr is cheaper than going to a real dr? No co-pay, no waiting around for a doctor who is too busy to see you, no snarky nurses.

I wouldn't bother calling an MD about ring worm when it is very easily treated by OTC medicines

From one of those Snarky nurses

If you are sure it's ringworm, no need to see the Dr. It is easily treated., as Sha_lyn said.