Ringworm rash patches on babies can be worrying toParents. However,ParentsNo need to worry too much, this skin problem in your little one will not cause harm in the long term.
ParentsIt can be difficult to distinguish ringworm in babies from other common rashes, so it is best to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Ringworm is very treatable. There are several over-the-counter medications that can often clear it up within a few days.
In this article, we’ll learn more about ringworm in babies, including its symptoms, causes, and treatments.
What is Ringworm in Babies?
Several types of fungi can cause ringworm. The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, clothing, towels, and other surfaces.
For most babies, ringworm is a mild infection, but it may be itchy or painful.Medical News Todayexplains, without treatment, the rash can spread. Babies who scratch the rash can introduce bacteria into the wound, which can lead to a more serious bacterial infection.
The infection can spread from one person to another, especially if they are in close contact or share certain items, such as clothing and linens.
Symptoms of Ringworm in Babies
What are the symptoms of ringworm? Quoting the pageHealthline, ringworm often begins as a red, scaly patch on the skin. If the area is on the scalp,Parentsmaybe at first thought it was dandruff orcradle cap.
Scalp ringworm can cause hair loss and/or breakage in the affected area. Scalp ringworm is most common in children ages 2 to 10.
In addition, ringworm can also occur on the face. When this happens, the itchy skin area may look like eczema, or atopic dermatitis .
Over time, the uneven area begins to grow in a ring-like circle that is between 1/2 inch and 1 inch in diameter with a raised border and a clear area in the center. Parentsyou may notice your little one itching in this area.
Scalp ringworm can also enlarge into what is known as a kerion. A kerion is a lesion in the area where the ringworm first appeared, as quotedHealthline.
If a child has kerion, they may also have symptoms such as a rash and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Other areas of skin that may be affected include:
- Cheek
- Chin
- Eye area
- Forehead
- Nose
Tinea (a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin or scalp) can affect any part of your baby’s body, but it may not always appear as ringworm. Body ringworm is called tinea corporis and is also common in children.
Causes of Ringworm in Babies
How can my child get ringworm? As quoted from the pageBaby Center, your little one can get ringworm when:
- Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal (most commonly puppies and kittens).
- Sharing items with an infected person or pet (such as towels, combs, brushes, clothing, or pillows).
- Touching contaminated surfaces (such as floors in pool areas, showers, or changing rooms).
Risk Factors for Ringworm in Babies
What are the risk factors for ringworm? Some babies and infants are more likely to get ringworm than others. PageHealthlineexplains, risk factors that increase the potential for ringworm in babies include:
- Living in a warm climate (tinea thrives in warm, moist environments).
- Having contact with other children and/or pets who have ringworm.
- Under considerationimmunocompromised, which includes receiving treatment for cancer.
- Malnutrition.
- Sometimes, a family will bring home a new pet that may be infected with the disease, and a baby will rub their face on the pet. This can contribute to ringworm.
How to Treat Ringworm in Babies
Most ringworm infections can be treated well with over-the-counter medications.Medical News Todayrecommend trying an antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or ketoconazole.
Antifungal creams are available at pharmacies andon line. Different manufacturers offer these products under different brand names, so look for a ringworm-specific product that is approved for your baby’s age.
With treatment, ringworm usually goes away within a few weeks. Itching and other symptoms tend to improve within a few days. Ringworm is not contagious after 2-3 days of treatment.
If ringworm is on the scalp, your baby will likely need a prescription antifungal medication. Ringworm on the scalp can take several months to clear up. Your doctor may also recommend using a special shampoo to avoid irritating the rash.
If ringworm gets worse after starting treatment, if your baby has a fever, or if the rash looks very red and irritated, it may be infected.
An infected ringworm rash may require treatment with antibiotics , so it’s best to take your baby to the doctor.
It is unwise to delay treatment for ringworm. Although ringworm is usually a mild infection, the bacteria can cause more serious problems if they infect the rash, especially if the baby scratches it aggressively.
The important thing to remember is to always consult your doctor about treatment before trying any treatment. If the skin looks broken or shows signs of infection, or if your baby has a history of eczema or allergies, see your pediatrician or dermatologist before applying anything to the rash.
Some people choose to apply breast milk to their baby’s rashes and skin irritations. Breast milk is rich in antibodies, but there is no evidence that it can cure ringworm. If it seems to relieve symptoms, it is safe to use breast milk in conjunction with medical treatment.
How to Prevent Babies from Getting Ringworm
Preventing ringworm in babies can be difficult because they require close contact with others through breastfeeding, diaper changing, and rocking.
There is no strategy that can completely prevent ringworm, but some strategies can reduce the risk. These strategies may include:
- Do not allow babies to walk or crawl on surfaces that increase the risk of fungal infections, such as bathrooms and changing rooms.gym.
- Keep your baby home from daycare if another child has ringworm.
- Putting socks or shoes on a baby who has just started walking.
- Changing baby from wet clothes and diapers.
- Do not allow your baby to share pillows or beds with family members who have ringworm.
- If a household member has ringworm, have them cover the rash with clothing or a bandage until it is no longer contagious.
Doctors often diagnose ringworm with a physical exam and review of your medical history. Ringworm can have a distinctive appearance, so doctors can usually diagnose it with a physical exam. However, they may also take some skin scrapings and examine them under a microscope.
Are There Possible Complications from Ringworm?
Children can get bacterial infections from scratching their skin, so it’s best toParentsKeep his nails short and watch him closely. If you notice him scratching, you may want to put small mittens or socks on his hands while he sleeps. Talk to your child’s doctor if the rash doesn’t seem to be getting better after about a week of treatment.
Should You Keep Your Child Out of Daycare?
Ringworm is no longer contagious after 48 hours of treatment, so your child should be free to return at that point. Check with your childcare provider or school about their policies.
These are the important things related to ringworm in babies. Hopefully useful.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
