My son has ringworm. How do I manage it?

RINGWORM OF THE BODY: Contact your private physician and follow his/her instructions. The following management options may be recommended by a licensed healthcare provider:

• Wash all lesions thoroughly with soap and water. Pat dry with a clean soft towel before applying medication.
• Apply an antifungal cream, liquid or powder (i.e. Lamisil, Lotrimin, Tinactin, Desenex etc.) to the affected area according to directions on the label. Antifungal medications may be obtained from the pharmacy without a prescription. Using an antifungal medication on the area twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks is usually adequate. Continue using the medication for 1 week after the ringworm patch is smooth and appears to be gone.
• Students may return to school after management options has been initiated. All lesions should be covered while the student is in school.

RINGWORM OF THE SCALP: See a licensed health care provider and follow his/her instructions.

• Possible ringworm of the scalp must be evaluated by a licensed health care provider and a note from a licensed health care provider is required to return to school. Over the counter anti-fungal creams, lotions or shampoos are usually not an effective treatment for ringworm of the scalp when used alone.
• Ringworm of the scalp usually requires several weeks of an oral anti-fungal medication.
• The option of wearing a hat in school for scalp lesions will be evaluated on an individual basis.

RINGWORM OF THE FOOT (ATHLETE’S FOOT): Contact your private physician and follow his/her instructions. The following management options may be recommended:

• Wash feet thoroughly with soap and water. Pat dry with clean soft towel before applying medication.
• Apply an anti-fungal cream, liquid or powder (i.e. Lamisil, Lotrimin, Tinactin, Desenex etc.) to the affected area according to directions on the label. Anti-fungal medications may be obtained from the pharmacy without a prescription. Using an anti-fungal medication twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks is usually adequate. Continue treatment for 1 week after the infected area is smooth and lesions appear to be gone.
• Socks should be changed daily and washed in hot water.
• Thorough cleaning of bath tub or shower after each use is essential in preventing transmission of infection to other members of the household.