Ringworm is a skin infection, but don’t let the name fool you—it’s not caused by a worm! Instead, it’s caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungi love to hang out in damp places like swimming pools, public showers, and even wet soil. You might also find them on pets and other animals, like rodents. Sometimes, these fungi are already on our skin, nails, or hair, and if they get the chance, they can stick to our skin and cause an infection.
Once these fungi attach to your skin, they start eating keratin, a protein found in dead skin cells. This can cause red, scaly patches to form. Over time, these patches might turn into rings with raised, rough edges and a clear center. That’s how ringworm got its name!
Ringworm can show up in different ways depending on where it is on your body:
No matter what it’s called, ringworm can be uncomfortable. It can make your skin flaky, cracked, itchy, and even cause a burning feeling. If it spreads to your scalp, it might cause hair loss, leading to bald spots.
Ringworm spreads easily from one person to another through skin contact or by sharing things like clothes, hats, and combs. If you touch an infected area and then touch another part of your body, the fungus can spread there too. That’s why it’s important to treat it quickly to stop it from spreading.
If you have a mild case of ringworm, you can often treat it with antifungal creams, sprays, or powders from the store. But if it’s more serious, you might need to see a doctor. They can give you medicine to take by mouth or check your skin more closely.
Here are some ways to prevent ringworm:
With the right treatment, most ringworm infections go away in two to four weeks. But if it’s a more serious infection, it might take up to three months to get better.
By learning about ringworm, its causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it, you can help protect yourself and others from this common infection!
Fungi Hunt: Go on a fungi hunt around your home or school! Look for places that might be damp or warm, like bathrooms or kitchens. With a grown-up’s help, use a magnifying glass to see if you can spot any fungi. Remember, fungi are tiny, so you might not see them easily. Discuss with your friends or family why these places might be good homes for fungi and how you can keep them clean and dry to prevent infections like ringworm.
Ringworm Role Play: Pretend you are a detective trying to stop the spread of ringworm. Create a short skit with your friends or family showing how ringworm spreads and how to prevent it. Use props like hats, towels, and clothes to demonstrate what not to share. Think about what you would say to someone who has ringworm to help them understand how to stop it from spreading.
Math and Medicine: Imagine you have a mild case of ringworm and need to buy antifungal cream. If the cream costs $8.99 and you have $20.00, how much money will you have left after buying the cream? Write down your math problem and solve it. Then, think about how long it might take for the ringworm to go away if you use the cream every day for two weeks. Discuss with a friend or family member why it’s important to follow the treatment plan.
