wnep: Carbon County cat shelter in need of donations during ringworm outbreak JIM THORPE, Pa. — A sign on the front door of Carbon County Friends of Animals in Jim Thorpe is alerting people that the shelter is closed to visitors due to an outbreak of ringworm. The shelter on ...

Context Explanation

Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks.

Insight Material

For ringworm, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What might be causing the signs and symptoms? Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? What is the best treatment? Is this condition temporary or chronic? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?

Final Conclusion

Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own? Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious infection. It's most common in toddlers and school-age children. Tinea capitis is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). Medication taken by mouth can kill the fungus that causes ringworm of the scalp. Medicated shampoos may help keep a person from spreading the infection to others.

Treatment for ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription-strength antifungal medication taken by mouth. The first-choice medication is usually griseofulvin (Gris-Peg). Alternatives might be used if griseofulvin isn't working or your child is allergic to it. These include terbinafine and itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura).