What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that can affect different parts of the body. How it looks depends on where it is. On the skin it presents as a roughly circular, scaly, itchy rash. Sometimes there may be small blisters and even pus filled spots. It can involve the nails, causing them to thicken and discolour. On the scalp it often starts as a small bump, gradually spreading outwards and is associated with hair loss. On the feet there may be cracking between the toes.
What should I do now?
As ringworm spreads through skin contact or through contact with infectious skin flakes shed into clothes or the environment, it can spread within a school. It is important that you check your child’s skin and hair for the presence of any suspicious lesion.
What should I do if I think my child has ringworm?
If you see any suspicious areas on your child’s skin or scalp, bring the child to your GP. The GP will be able to decide by looking at it directly, by examining it with special light, or by examining some skin cells under the microscope whether or not it is ringworm. Once the diagnosis is made treatment can be given. It is important that the rest of the family are
checked for ringworm. Also check and treat symptomatic pets.
Can my child stay in school?
Yes. However, to prevent the spread of infection to others it is important that the affected child receives appropriate treatment.
Thank you for giving this your attention. Your GP will be able to answer any further questions that you might have about ringworm.
Further details about ringworm are also available at
http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/LifeStages/SchoolHealth
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Luke Kilcoyne
Principal Teacher
