This image displays tinea (ringworm), which can be widespread with slight scaling and a relatively sharp edge to the area of involvement. This image displays the round shape with a scaling, bumpy edge typical of tinea (ringworm). This image displays an armpit affected with tinea (ringworm). Tinea often causes scaly, round rings with sharp borders. The round shape of tinea patches clearly reflects why it has the nickname ringworm. Note the slightly raised edge of the rings typical of tinea infections. This image displays the scaly border with other smooth, slightly elevated regions typical of tinea corporis (ringworm). In superficial fungal infections of the skin (tinea corporis), there can be many separate scaly areas of involved skin. This image displays a large, subtle circle of tinea (ringworm) with a red, bumpy border, as well as another smaller circle of infection near the hairline on the picture's right. This image displays tinea manuum (hand fungus) with fine, white scaling and tinea corporis (body ringworm) with a circular lesion above the inner wrist. This image displays the common round shape of tinea corporis that has been covered with a bandage, thus causing it to appear red and moist.
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Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): This image displays red, scaly, raised lesions of tinea corporis; these particular lesions are not in their usual ring-shaped form. Divider line
This image displays red, scaly, raised lesions of tinea corporis; these particular lesions are not in their usual ring-shaped form.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
In order to confirm the diagnosis of ringworm, your child's physician might scrape some surface skin material (scales) onto a slide and examine them under a microscope. This procedure, called a KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation, allows the doctor to look for tell-tale signs of fungal infection.

Once the diagnosis of ringworm has been confirmed, the physician will probably start treatment with an antifungal medication. Most infections can be treated with topical creams and lotions, including:
  • Terbinafine
  • Clotrimazole
  • Miconazole
  • Econazole
  • Oxiconazole
  • Ciclopirox
  • Ketoconazole
  • Sulconazole
  • Naftifine
  • Butenafine
Rarely, more extensive infections or those not improving with topical antifungal medications may require 3–4 weeks of treatment with oral antifungal pills or syrups, including:
  • Griseofulvin
  • Terbinafine
The ringworm should go away within 4–6 weeks after using effective treatment.


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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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