Date:
Dear Parent/Caregiver:
Your child _______________________ may have ringworm.
Ringworm is a name given to several different kinds of fungal infections that are contagious and appear on the skin and/or scalp.
What to look for?
On the skin there can be red, circular patches with raised edges and clearing in the middle. The lesions can be itchy.
On the scalp the infection causes areas of redness and scaling with broken hairs or patches of hair loss.
How is it ringworm spread?
Ringworm is spread by contact with infected persons, animals or contaminated objects or surfaces. Ringworm is also spread by direct person-to-person contact by sharing combs, brushes, towels, clothing, or bedding.
How is ringworm treated?
Ringworm on the skin can usually be treated with an anti-fungal medication that is applied to the rash.
Ringworm of the scalp and nails must be treated with an anti-fungal medication taken by mouth that must be prescribed by a health provider.
How is ringworm controlled?
Children with ringworm should be treated as soon as possible. Siblings and other household contacts should be examined for ringworm and also treated if ringworm is identified. Refrain from sharing combs, brushes, helmets, towels, bedding and other personal items. Children can attend school as long as they have started treatment. It may be helpful to loosely cover areas of infected skin to reduce the spread of infection to others.
Please call you health care provider for further information and treatment.
Sincerely,
Principal
Student, Family and Community Support Department 2015-2016 School Health Manual