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	coughs	cradle cap	croup	diarrhea
	earache	fever	head injury	head lice
	headache	hives	impetigo	insect bites
	limb pain	menstrual cramps	mouth ulcers	nosebleeds
	pinworms	poison ivy	ringworm	sore throat
	sunburn	teething	thrush	tick bites
	vomiting

RINGWORM AND OTHER SKIN FUNGUS INFECTIONS

Ringworm causes a ring-shaped, scaly pink patch with a raised edge. It increases in size and usually clears in the center and may be mildly itchy. Although the source is usually not identified, it is usually caught from another person or from infected scales or hair that has been shed into the environment. It may also be caught from puppies and kittens that have the rash. The patches may become multiple and grow slowly. They respond well to over-the-counter medications such as Tinactin, Micatin or Lotrimin Cream applied as directed. Allow 2-3 weeks and continue treatment until the patches have been gone for 1-2 weeks. Ringworm of the skin is not highly contagious; and after 48 hours of treatment, it is not contagious at all. Your child does not have to remain home from school or day care.

Call our office during office hours:

• If the rash has not cleared up in four (4) weeks;
• If it continues to spread after a week of treatment, or
• If the scalp is involved. When the scalp is involved, you may find patches of hair loss; and the creams mentioned will not be helpful.

Athlete’s foot produces a red, scaly, itchy and burning rash between the toes with a tendency for cracking. When scratched, the rash tends to become raw and weepy; and it can spread into the instep. There tends to be an unpleasant foot odor. The rash is aggravated by warm moist conditions.

An important part of treatment of athlete’s foot is to rinse the feet in plain water and dry them carefully twice a day, paying special care to the areas between the toes. It helps to go barefoot when possible or wear sandals or shoes that allow the skin to breathe. Socks should be changed twice daily. Medications such as Tinactin, Micatin or Lotrimin are the treatment and can be bought over-the-counter.

Jock itch is a fungus infection in the groin in which a pink, scaly, itchy rash is found in the creases and in the inner thighs. It is much more common in males. Careful cleansing of the groin area with plain water and a mild soap once or twice a day is important. Again, the medications are as mentioned previously. The rash will improve dramatically if the groin area is kept dry and loose-fitting cotton shorts are worn. Shorts and athletic supporters should be washed frequently.

If the skin lesions are fiery red, oozing or painful or if your child appears to be ill from the rash, contact the office for further advice. During regular or after office hours, call 345-3133 for immediate assistance.

If you have questions concerning the condition of your child’s skin, please call our Health Information Nurses at 855-9160 for further advice. Should there be no improvement in the condition in a week, it should be checked at our office during office hours.

This advice on ringworm and other skin fungus infections is presented as general information and is not meant to be specific treatment for your child’s problem. If you need further assistance, call 855-9160 during regular hours to speak with one of our Health Information Nurses