| Ringworm is often a misdiagnosis for other | | | | treatment has begun it's fine for her to play with |
| conditions, especially numular eczema and pityriasis | | | | others, but it's best not to share clothing or to let |
| rosea. | | | | other children rub the patch of ringworm. |
| Remember that athlete's foot is unusual in | | | | Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus is |
| preteen children. These children often have | | | | very common, and it is contagious even before |
| Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis or a contact | | | | symptoms appear. |
| dermatitis when they have an itchy red rash on | | | | Steps to prevent infection include the following: |
| their feet. Ringworm is only mildly contagious, so | | | | Educate the public, especially parents, about the |
| children undergoing treatment may continue to | | | | risk of Ringworm from infected persons and pets. |
| attend school or daycare. In addition to infected | | | | Keep common-use areas clean, especially in |
| people, you can get ringworm from infected cats | | | | schools, day-care centers, gyms, and locker |
| and dogs, so examine your pets if someone in | | | | rooms. Disinfect sleeping mats and gym mats |
| your family develops ringworm. | | | | after each use. |
| Ringworm can be treated with fungus-killing | | | | Do not share clothing, towels, hair brushes, or |
| medicine. The medicine can be in taken in tablet or | | | | other personal items. |
| liquid form by mouth or as a cream applied | | | | Infected persons should follow these steps to |
| directly to the affected area. | | | | keep the infection from spreading: |
| The treatment for ringworm is one of the many | | | | Complete treatment as instructed, even after |
| effective topical antifungal creams, such as | | | | symptoms disappear. |
| miconazole (Tinactin) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin). | | | | Do not share towels, hats, clothing, or other |
| Several of these antifungal creams are now | | | | personal items with others. |
| available without a prescription. Treatment may | | | | Minimize close contact with others until treated. |
| require several weeks. Only by treating for at | | | | Make sure the person or animal that was the |
| least one week after the resolution of symptoms | | | | source of infection gets treated. |
| can one guarantee eradication. As soon as | | | | |