Ring Worm and Impetigo

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions

Diaper Rash

Frost Bite

Head Lice

Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Pinworms

Ringworm

Ticks

Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Ring Worm/Impetigo

Ringworm and impetigo are two skin infections that often alarm parents but are generally not serious conditions.

Ringworm, also known as tinea, is not a parasite but an infection caused by fungi that are all around us in the environment. It may affect the skin, hair, or, in adolescents and adults, the nails. Household pets such as cats are often responsible for transmitting ringworm of the skin to children, but the major mode of transmission is from person to person.

Ringworm infections of the skin, the most common form of the disease, typically begin as small red lesions with a scaly ring. The lesions slowly enlarge, leaving a clear center. There may be one or several lesions, which occasionally itch.

Ringworm of the skin is not accompanied by any systemic symptoms. Ringworm of the scalp is generally first noticed when there is an area of local hair loss; less commonly, there may be widespread hair loss.

Although the skin lesions can heal spontaneously within two to four weeks without treatment, there are antifungal creams and ointments available by prescription. Parents should have their child examined by a pediatrician for a specific diagnosis and treatment. If a household pet is responsible for the ringworm infection, it should be treated by a veterinarian for the fungal infection. To prevent the infection from spreading through the family, each person should use only his or her comb, brush, and other personal items.

Impetigo is a common skin infection in children, especially during the spring and summer months when insect bites and minor scrapes and scratches become infected with bacteria. The lesions generally appear as small localized blisters, or, more commonly, as red lesions with a honey-colored crust or brown scab.

Impetigo lesions should be gently washed with soap and water several times per day and left uncovered so that they can dry. Often, the pediatrician will prescribe a topical antibacterial ointment or oral antibiotics to treat the sores.

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If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Diaper Rash Frost Bite Head Lice Oral Thrush, Vaginal Yeast Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis Pinworms Ringworm Ticks Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Ring Worm/Impetigo Ringworm and impetigo are two skin infections that often alarm parents but are generally not serious conditions. Ringworm, also known as tinea, is not a parasite but an infection caused by fungi that are all around us in the environment. It may affect the skin, hair, or, in adolescents and adults, the nails. Household pets such as cats are often responsible for transmitting ringworm of the skin to children, but the major mode of transmission is from person to person. Ringworm infections of the skin, the most common form of the disease, typically begin as small red lesions with a scaly ring. The lesions slowly enlarge, leaving a clear center. There may be one or several lesions, which occasionally itch. Ringworm of the skin is not accompanied by any systemic symptoms. Ringworm of the scalp is generally first noticed when there is an area of local hair loss; less commonly, there may be widespread hair loss. Although the skin lesions can heal spontaneously within two to four weeks without treatment, there are antifungal creams and ointments available by prescription. Parents should have their child examined by a pediatrician for a specific diagnosis and treatment. If a household pet is responsible for the ringworm infection, it should be treated by a veterinarian for the fungal infection. To prevent the infection from spreading through the family, each person should use only his or her comb, brush, and other personal items. Impetigo is a common skin infection in children, especially during the spring and summer months when insect bites and minor scrapes and scratches become infected with bacteria. The lesions generally appear as small localized blisters, or, more commonly, as red lesions with a honey-colored crust or brown scab. Impetigo lesions should be gently washed with soap and water several times per day and left uncovered so that they can dry. Often, the pediatrician will prescribe a topical antibacterial ointment or oral antibiotics to treat the sores.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.