Ringworm Treatment for Kids

The occurrence of ringworm in children is quite common, and is caused due to a mold like fungi. These fungi thrive in humid and warm environment, and if adequate body cleanliness is not maintained, then the fungi grows and the infection spreads. The good news is treatment for this fungal infection is quite easy, and by following a good hygiene regime and using the appropriate medications, ringworm infection can be gotten rid of.

Symptoms of Ringworm

The ringworm treatment for body ringworm, nail ringworm, scalp ringworm is different. Here are the symptoms of body, scalp and nail ringworm infection.
Body ringworm infection symptoms are:

• red circular lesion that has raised edges
• ring like rash, because the middle of the lesion becomes less red as the lesion develops
• itching on the affected skin region

Scalp ringworm infection symptoms are:

• red scaly rash on scalp
• rash on other skin area
• itching on scalp
• hair loss

Nail ringworm symptoms are:

• yellow coloring of the nails
• the ends of the nails become thick

Ringworm Treatment for Children

Ringworm is often misdiagnosed for other conditions like nummular eczema (inflammatory skin condition) and pityriasis rosea (itchy rash condition). So, it is important that you are sure that the child actually has ringworm skin disorder. Use the above list of the symptoms, to check if the child has ringworm, if you wish to use home remedies to treat ringworm. However, to be on a safer side you can just visit a skin doctor, to get the appropriate ringworm treatment.

Medical Treatment
The doctor will prescribe a topical antifungal cream or spray for ringworm treatment. The doctor will also prescribe an oral medication to cure the infection. Some over-the-counter antifungal creams used for treatments of ringworm are Tinactin (Tolnaftate), Micatin (Miconazole) and Lotrimin (Clotrimazole). Oral medication like Nizoral (Ketoconazole) and Lamisil (Terbinafine) are prescribed. Ringworm treatment for babies is the same. These medications can be purchased from the chemist's without prescription too.

Children who have scalp ringworm infection, need to use a medicated shampoo which contains selenium sulfide. This shampoo used in treatment for scalp ringworm, helps to kill the ringworm spores and prevents the infection from spreading to others. To use the shampoo, lather the hair and scalp with the shampoo, and let it sit for five minutes. Then wash it off with water. The shampoo needs to be used at least 2-3 times a week for a month, or according to the doctor's instructions. On other days, milder non-medicated shampoos can be used.

Self Care Measures
Children who have ringworm infection, can attend school or day care. However, it is important to observe cleanliness. Encourage the child to observe cleanliness, by washing hands frequently, and refrain from scratching the infected skin area. Also, avoiding skin contact with another children is important, as this can spread the infection further.

While using the antifungal creams, keep the affected area clean and dry, and apply the cream twice a day, or according to the instructions mentioned on the product. Also, children should avoid using other children' combs, pillows, hats or brushes.

Many home remedies like mustard seeds paste, tea tree oil mix, turmeric paste and butea seeds paste are used to treat ringworm. If you wish to use any home remedies for ringworm treatment, then make sure you keep a check on the symptoms. If the ringworm infection doesn't go away within 4 days of use of home remedies or the symptoms become worse while using any home remedies, then seek medical help.