Sores, Rashes and Scratches! Does my kid have ringworm?

• Are you worried over scaly patches of reddened skin or rash on your toddler's scalp or torso?
  
• Do such eruptions or rashes in toddlers form a circular pattern as they begin to spread, with a healing centre and ever-expanding lesions?

If yes, then you should probably get your children checked for a contagious fungal skin infection called ringworm. Without being painful or dangerous, this condition can be irritatingly itchy—and highly contagious.

The infection mostly spreads in the following ways:

• Contact with an infected person or animal
  
• It can also be picked from infected articles of clothing, and sharing combs, towels, etc.
  
• Excessive sweating presents perfect conditions for the responsible fungi to thrive and increases the chances of infection
  

• Most infections or rashes in toddlers clear up with regular applications of OTC fungal medications like naftifine, griseofulvin, and tinactin. Shampoos containing selenium sulfide are used for scalp ringworm.
  
• Check for open lesions and let the children wear loose, cotton clothing so that they do not sweat excessively.
  
• Two or three wet dressing can loosen scales and reduce inflammation.
  
• Ensure children do not have wet skin, especially around the toes, fingers, neck, and groin.
  
• Have your toddlers wear sandals in locker rooms and pool areas.
  
• Set aside the daily use items of the infected children from the rest of the family members.
  
• Checks pets for ringworm infections, and get adequate treatments if necessary.