Shepherd Public Schools

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection. There are several kinds of ringworm including ringworm of the body, ringworm of the scalp and athlete’s foot.

Ringworm of the body is a rash that begins as a small, red, colorless circle that becomes progressively bigger. The outside of the circle is elevated and perhaps scaly and dry or moist and crusted. The center of the circle starts to heal as the area becomes larger. Mild itching and pain may be present. It is usually found on the arms, face and neck but may occur elsewhere on the body.

The symptoms will usually appear 4 to 10 days after exposure.

Ringworm is highly contagious and is spread by direct and indirect contact. Direct contact is from the infected person. Indirect contact is from articles recently contaminated by them. It may be transmitted by towels, clothing and such articles. If you suspect that your child may have ringworm, he/she must not attend school until treatment has been started.