Understanding Fungal Infections
What is it? Fungal infections—commonly known as ringworm, athlete’s foot, or jock itch—are skin infections caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist areas. They are not caused by worms. These infections can be itchy, red, and scaly, and sometimes form round patches with clear centers.
They spread easily through skin-to-skin contact, from pets (especially kittens or puppies), or by sharing items like clothing, towels, combs, or shoes.
Common Types
Type 1: Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis)
- Round, red, scaly patches with a raised border and clear center
- Often itchy and can spread if untreated
- Commonly passed from pets or other children
Type 2: Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis)
- Causes scaly patches on the scalp, sometimes with hair loss or “black dots”
- May cause tender, swollen spots (called kerions)
- Always needs oral medication—creams alone won’t work
Type 3: Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
- Itchy, cracked, peeling skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet
- May burn or have an odor
- Common in older kids and teens
Type 4: Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
- Itchy, red rash in the groin or inner thigh folds
- Usually affects both sides but spares the scrotum
- Often develops from spread of athlete’s foot
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child’s fungal infection at home when:
- The rash is mild and not spreading quickly
- There is no swelling, pus, or fever
- The infection is on the body, feet, or groin (not the scalp or nails)
- Your child can keep the area clean and dry
How to Treat at Home
Remedy 1: Apply Antifungal Cream
- Use an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as clotrimazole, terbinafine, or miconazole.
- Apply twice daily for 2–4 weeks and continue for 1 week after the rash clears.
- AVOID steroid creams—they can make the infection worse or mask symptoms.
Remedy 2: Keep the Area Clean and Dry
- Wash the area daily with mild soap and water.
- Change clothes, socks, and underwear every day.
- Dry the area completely before dressing—especially between toes or in skin folds.
- Avoid sharing towels, hats, combs, or shoes.
Remedy 3: For the Scalp (if involved)
- Use an antifungal or dandruff shampoo (selenium sulfide or ketoconazole) 2–3 times per week to reduce spread.
- Wash all combs, brushes, and bedding.
Safe Medications
Location: Body (Ringworm)
First Line Treatment: Topical antifungal cream twice daily
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Notes: Continue beyond 1 week of healing
Location: Scalp
First Line Treatment: Oral antifungal prescribed by a clinician
Duration: 6-12 weeks
Notes: Shampoo helps prevent spread
Location: Feet (Athlete’s Foot)
First Line Treatment: Topical antifungal twice daily
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Notes: Keep feet clean and dry
Location: Groin (Jock Itch)
First Line Treatment: Topical antifungal twice daily
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Notes: Loose clothing, good hygeine
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Rash is spreading after 1 week of treatment
- Rash has not improved after 4 weeks (body/groin) or 2 weeks (feet)
- Scalp infection not improving after 2 months
- You’re unsure which antifungal to use or how to apply it
- Other family members or pets have similar rashes
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- The infection is on the scalp or nails (needs prescription medicine)
- There is hair loss, swelling, or pus on the scalp (possible kerion)
- The rash is painful, oozing, or rapidly worsening
- Your child has a weakened immune system
- The infection keeps coming back
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child:
- Has rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or swelling around the rash
- Has fever or appears very unwell
- Has severe pain that interferes with walking or using the affected area
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don’t hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
