Mild Bacterial Pyodermas & Super-infections

Ringworm (Tinea)

Common contagious fungal skin infection (not a worm).

Primary risk age: All ages; scalp ringworm is most common in school-age children.

Urgency: Mild
Typical age: All ages; scalp ringworm is most common in school-age children.
Body system: Dermatological System

Typical course: Skin ringworm clears in 2–4 weeks of treatment; scalp ringworm needs several weeks of oral medication.

Reviewed against AAP · CDC · WHO · NHS guidance Last reviewed 2026-06-13

1. Summary & Pathophysiology

Common contagious fungal skin infection (not a worm).

Pathophysiology (Development Path)

The fungus infects the dead outer layer of skin, hair, or nails, growing outward in a ring shape that gives the condition its name.

Primary Causes & Etiology

Dermatophyte fungi spread by contact with infected people, animals (especially kittens and puppies), or contaminated objects such as combs and towels.

2. Symptom Continuum

Early Onset Signs
A small scaly red patch that gradually enlarges.
Progressive Phase
A ring-shaped patch with a raised, scaly border and clearer center; on the scalp, scaly patches with hair loss and sometimes broken hairs.
Severe Indicators
A boggy, tender, pus-filled scalp swelling (kerion) or widespread infection needs medical treatment to prevent scarring and hair loss.

3. Clinical Verification

Usually clinical from the appearance; skin scrapings or fungal culture confirm scalp or unclear cases.

4. Care & Elements Plan

Primary Care Treatment Plan

Skin ringworm responds to topical antifungal creams. Scalp and nail ringworm require clinician-prescribed oral antifungal medication because creams cannot reach the fungus.

Home Support Elements

Apply topical antifungal as directed for skin lesions, keep the area clean and dry, do not share combs, towels, or hats, and have pets checked and treated if they are the source.

Generic Active Ingredients (No Brands)

Topical clotrimazole or terbinafine (antifungal active ingredients for skin ringworm)
oral griseofulvin or terbinafine (prescribed by a clinician for scalp or nail involvement).

Lists active elements only. Never administer self-designed therapies.

5. Doctor Critical Lines

Critical Thresholds: When to See a Doctor

See a doctor for scalp involvement or hair loss, lesions that do not respond to over-the-counter creams, widespread infection, or a tender boggy scalp swelling.

6. Vaccine & Prevention

Routine Prophylaxis (Prevention)

Avoid sharing personal items, keep skin clean and dry, and treat infected pets and contacts.

Immunization Context

No vaccine is relevant to ringworm.

7. Timelines & Outlook

Active Timeline

Skin ringworm clears in 2–4 weeks of treatment; scalp ringworm needs several weeks of oral medication.

Expected Prognosis

Excellent; skin lesions clear with topical therapy and scalp infection with oral therapy.

Potential Untreated Complications

Permanent hair loss or scarring from untreated scalp infection, and secondary bacterial infection.

Mild

Impetigo Contagiosa

Superficial Bacterial Epidermal Infection

Preschool and school-aged children (2 to 5 years; highly contagious)

Moderate

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Enteroviral Mucocutaneous Vesicular Eruption

Infants and children under 5 years (Common in daycare and school settings)