The term “ringworm” scares us all. When it happens to kids, it scares parents even more. It is more prevalent than one would like it to be. Let us find out what it is.
Contrary to what the name suggests, ‘ringworm’ is not caused by worms but by fungi. It enters the epidermis through scars or other exposed tissue.
Ringworm can be contracted very easily due to the communicable nature of fungi. Following are the causes of ringworm in kids:
1. Lack of immune strength may cause ringworm. Young children are more prone to being affected by ringworms as their immunity is lower and they spend more time playing on the ground.
2. Among young children, those aged 3-9 are deemed more likely to contract ringworm, as they begin going to school and are exposed to the surrounding environment and other kids.
3. Ringworms on the scalp are usually caused by sharing a hat or a hairbrush with an affected individual. Ringworms affecting the body are commonly caused by sharing of towels.
4. Pets are also a likely source of ringworm contagion. It is passed to the child through direct contact.
5. Sometimes, the centre of the rash may clear up, but a new infection could grow around the edges if one isn’t careful.
Watch out for these symptoms of ringworm infection in children. As it is best to nip the problem in the bud in the early stages itself:
1. A ringworm infection usually begins as a flat, scaly area on the skin, with a slightly raised and reddened outer ring, hence the name ringworm. This outer ring could expand over time.
2. If ringworms affects the scalp, it could cause hair loss in the affected region.
3. Itchy scalp is another major sign of a ringworm infection.
4. The rings may develop blisters or become scaly.
5. Ringworms on child’s face, similar to ringworm on the scalp can be quite itchy. When exposed to the sun, it could feel like it is burning and become itchier than usual.
6. A ringworm infection on the body may sometime lack the symptom of itchiness. However, its appearance is similar.
7. All cases of ringworm start with the appearance of a single ring. If left unchecked, it may spread to other areas as well.
8. The “rings” could be as small as a few millimetres in diameter, and the area inside appears smooth and normal. Over time, the rings even expand outward in size.
Ringworm is usually identified by doctors on sight. Rarely, a sample of skin may be taken for lab analysis, if it is suspected to be something else.
Ringworm is contagious, but by no means a serious ailment. One can opt for pharmaceutical products or even home remedies, as they are just as effective.
Medical treatment of ringworm includes topical creams, special shampoo and oral medication.
Over the counter ringworm treatments for kids mainly include mainly antifungal cream for ringworm in children. These topical creams have a slight possibility of side-effects.
Ringworm shampoo for kids is easily available in the market and is a better alternative than creams for ringworm on the scalp.
Oral ringworm medicine for kids is usually prescribed by paediatricians if creams or home remedies do not work. Oral medication is also effective than ringworm cream for kids to treat ringworm on the scalp.
Your paediatrician will recommend a combination of medication, shampoo if the child affected is still a baby.
Anti-fungal elements are commonly found in nature, just as fungi itself is. A lot of natural products we use in our households possess anti-fungal properties which can treat a ringworm infection:
The compounds ajoene and allicin found in garlic possess strong anti-fungal properties, making them easily available vegetable suitable for treatment for ringworm in a child.
Garlic can be replaced by garlic-oil in this remedy, but carrier oil is still required.
The benefits of tea-tree oil for the skin make it a popular ingredient for soaps, body oils, and other cosmetic products. Its anti-fungal properties make it one of the popular home remedies for ringworm on children.
Lavender’s distinct aroma has the effect of calming down children and lifting their mood.
Coconut oil has antifungal and antiviral properties.
Apple cider vinegar has gained popularity for its various benefits. It is good for skin and for health too. To treat ringworms here is what you can do:
Neem is an age-old remedy for various skin-related problems. It can treat ringworm infections too. Here is how you can use neem oil for treating ringworm infections:
Turmeric is known for its antibacterial properties. To treat a ringworm infection, use turmeric in the following way:
For treating ringworms using oregano oil, follow this procedure:
Aloe vera has several antiseptic agents in it and acts as an inhibitor of bacterial, fungal, and viral growth.
Good hygiene is the first step to preventing ringworm. Fungal growth is accelerated on damp surfaces and humid conditions, so teach your children to towel themselves fully dry after every shower.
Sharing towels with other children, walking barefoot in a common shower, swimming pool, etc. are common ways how children catch ringworm.
If your pet is a free spirit who likes to spend a lot of time outside the house, it would be wise to scan him for symptoms regularly.
RIngworm is not a serious issue, however, in the following conditions you should consult a paediatrician:
If your child is affected, take steps to prevent ringworm from spreading to others in the family. Change your child’s bed sheets every day and reserve a towel for his exclusive use.