Ringworm a common skin infection that can affect kids of all ages
They were a diverse group of kids: the diapered infant, the young Irish dancer, the teenage dog lover and the college-bound soccer player, but they all had one thing in common: a mysterious circular rash.
Not so mysterious, really. All four had lesions considered classic for body ringworm, also known as tinea corporis. Though worms have nothing at all to do with this common fungal skin infection, the ring portion of the name provides an accurate description of these spots.
Ringworm lesions can appear as isolated spots or in clusters on the trunk, extremities or face. Ringworm tends to be round in nature, slightly pink and often dry, with a heaped up outer rim and a paler, flatter center.
Fungi flourish in warm, moist environments, which explains why ringworm can be found under wet diapers, thick dance stockings and form-fitting soccer shin guards.
Infectious disease experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics explain that ringworm is picked up through direct contact with infected human or animal hosts or contaminated surfaces. With their frequent skin-to-skin contact, high school wrestlers seem to be the athletes most often in the doctor's office for ringworm diagnoses and clearance for competition.
Since classic ringworm typically makes for a straightforward diagnosis, lab tests are usually not needed. The spots can, however, mimic skin lesions such as eczema (a dry skin condition) and other disorders. So if there is any doubt, dermatologists perform skin scrapings or cultures to confirm the diagnosis of tinea.
Tinea corporis is considered a superficial fungal infection, and topical medications usually clear up the problem. Though several weeks of therapy are needed, over-the-counter antifungal creams such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin is one brand name) generally do the trick. Prescription antifungal creams and, less often, oral antifungal agents can be used for the difficult-to-treat cases.
How best to prevent cases of body ringworm as well as fungal infections of the scalp and feet? The National Institutes of Health advises young athletes to shampoo and shower regularly, drying the body well after each washing. Consider wearing flip-flops, sandals or shoes while in public locker rooms.
It's always best to use your own personal care items (Mom was right!). Don't share towels, uniforms, athletic gear or grooming supplies such as combs and brushes with your teammates. This is also good advice for the prevention of serious bacterial skin infections, such as the highly publicized MRSA.
As tinea corporis can be acquired from infected animals, the NIH also suggests steering clear of pets with obvious bald spots -- a possible sign of fungal skin infection.