what do i use for ringworms on my child?

Answer 1

Its a fungal disease. Over 12 years of age, any over the counter athletes foot product will work on ringworm. However, if the child is under 12 see a doctor for the proper type of medication and dosage.

Answer 2

Here's the poop on ringworms:

- What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungus infection of the skin. It is often transferred to people from puppies or kittens who have ringworm
If your child has ringworm, your child will have a ring-shaped pink patch on the skin. The patch will:
Usually be 1/2 to 1 inch in size with a scaly, raised border and clear center.
Get slowly bigger.
Be mildly itchy.

- How long does it last?
Ringworm responds well to appropriate treatment.

- How can I take care of my child?
Antifungal cream Buy Tinactin, Micatin, or Lotrimin cream at your drugstore. You won't need a prescription. Apply the cream twice a day to the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders. Continue this treatment for 1 week after the ringworm patch is smooth and seems to be gone. Successful treatment often takes 3 to 4 weeks. Encourage your child to avoid scratching the area.

- Contagiousness
Ringworm of the skin is mildly contagious. It requires direct skin-to-skin contact. The type acquired from pets is not transmitted from human to human, only from animal to human. After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm is not contagious at all. Your child doesn't have to miss any school or day care.

- Treatment of pets
Kittens and puppies with ringworm usually do not itch and may not have any rash. Pets with a skin rash or sores should be examined by a veterinarian. Also have your child avoid close contact with the animal until he is treated. Natural immunity develops in animals after 4 months even without treatment. Call your veterinarian for other questions.

- When should I call my child's health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
The ringworm continues to spread after 1 week of treatment.
The rash has not cleared up in 4 weeks.
You have other concerns or questions.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 3

Why are people calling it "ringworms"? That makes it sound like it's parasitic worms. It's a fungal infection, not worms! ('',)

Anyway, see Jesi's answer. That was pretty accurate.

My sister and I would get ringworm from our cats. Incidentally, in cats and dogs it's called mange. When they transfer it to us humans, it's called ringworm. It's only called ringworm because it makes a round shape on your skin, and the outer part is bumpy, making it look like a curled-up worm. But it's not a worm.

Anyway, to get back to my point: Blue Star ointment worked pretty well for us. That handles just about any fungal infection you might have on your skin. The last time I bought a bottle, it was about $7 at Walgreens.

Answer 4

Tea tree oil is wonderful if it is very mild, or you can just go to the grocery store and buy a tube of Gynelotrimin. Ringworm is not a worm, it's a fungus. Gynelotrimin (sp?) is a vaginal cream for yeast and knocks out mild cases of ringworm really well. If that doesn't work, take the kids to the doc. A more aggressive case may require a prescription.

Answer 5

Tinactin in the "lil" container.The liquid. It's for athletes foot which is a fungus' as is ringworm. Also Tea Tree oil.
Morn, midday, after dinner & at bedtime,
Takes about 3-4 weeks, But they will be gone without spreading (which they do)
Blessed Be

Answer 6

I had ringworms,
Use an anti fungal cream like Tinactin for up to 3 weeks, basically until it disspapears

Answer 7

You can use the same cream as a Yeast Infection. It works.
My daughter caught ringworm from school and we bought a bunch of cream + we took her to the Dr. Finally the Dr gave her some cream for Yeast Infection and we rubbed it in her forehead and it work. I believe you have to apply 2 times a day.

Answer 8

I had ringworm as a young boy. I was told to rub the green outer husk of an english walnut on it,it worked.

Answer 9

I would see a doctor immediately ringworm is pretty contagious. The doctor will give you a cream or you can buy Blue Star cream.

Answer 10

You can try Lotrimin or Mycelex. Thry are both available over the counter. I have included a website with more ringworm information.