INFO PAGE

Ringworm Parent Alert

E-14

PARENT ALERT

Contagious disease exposure in room _________________ on _______________.

RINGWORM (Tinea)

WHAT IS IT? A contagious fungal infection of the body or scalp. On the skin, the lesions are red, circular patches with raised edges and a flat, clear central area. On the scalp, the lesions are patchy areas of dandruff-like scaling or redness with or without hair loss. 

WHERE DID IT COME FROM? From a person or animal with the fungus, and contaminated surfaces like towels, clothing, damp areas like locker rooms and public shower areas.

WHEN CAN YOU CATCH IT? As long as the other person or animal has the lesions. “Once the child begins treatment with a medication taken by mouth, the child is no longer considered infectious (Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 5th ed, pg. 149).” 

HOW CAN YOU CATCH IT? By direct contact with a lesion or bandages, clothing, sheets, etc. that have been in contact with a lesion.

HOW LONG BEFORE THE SYMPTOMS APPEAR? Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm (CDC, 2020).

WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS? Involvement of more areas of the body. Temporary baldness if on scalp.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

  1. Wash hands after touching your child.
  2. Avoid touching the infected area or contaminated clothing.
  3. Keep child’s hands and feet clean and dry.
  4. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
  5. Examine household contacts for similar symptoms.
  6. Don’t share ill child’s personal belongings like combs, towels or nail clippers with other people.
  7. Seek medical advice, medicate as ordered by a medical provider.
  8. Clean and disinfect household.

WHAT WILL THE STAFF DO?

  1. Check other children for lesions.
  2. Use germicidal solution on all toys and equipment.
  3. Wash sheets from infected child's cot or crib.
  4. Distribute Parent Alert for staff and family to watch for symptoms.

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THE AFFECTED CHILD?

  1. Use an antifungal medication as ordered by the physician. 
  2. Keep skin lesions covered.
  3. Observe for spreading. Inform medical provider if treatment is not effective.
  4. Wash hands frequently.

WHEN CAN THE CHILD RETURN TO CLASS? After medication is started.  Cover the lesions with clothing or bandage. If you have any questions, please contact your childcare provider and healthcare provider.

Reference: CDC, 2020, Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 5th ed, pg. 149