Download Ringworm – A fungal infection that may affect the body, feet, or scalp

Ringworm (Tinea)
Ringworm – A fungal infection that may affect the body, feet, or scalp
Signs and symptoms –
 Skin
o Red, circular patches with raised edges and central clearing
o Cracking and peeling of skin between toes
o Genital area also known as “jock itch”
 Scalp
o Patchy areas of dandruff-like scaling with or without hair loss
o Redness(begins as small slightly raised spot) and scaling of scalp
with broken hairs or patches of hair loss
Incubation/Contagious periods –
 Usually 10-14 days.
 Contagious while lesions present until under treatment.
Mode of transmission –
 Direct person to person contact by sharing combs, brushes, towels,
clothing, or bedding
 Fungus infection spread by contact with infected humans, animals (dogs,
cats, etc.), or indirectly by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
 Infectious as long as the lesions are not treated
Control measures –
 Early treatment of infected people.
 Examination of siblings and other household contacts,
 Do not share combs, brushes, or hair ribbons.
 Cover skin lesions.
Responsibilities –
 School
o Ringworm of the scalp
 Report possible infection to school designated inspector
(SDI). If SDI concurs with suspicion of ringworm of the
scalp, call parent/guardian for immediate pick up. A copy of
ringworm letter will be given to the parent/guardian to inform
them of the need for medical evaluation and possible
treatment.
 Isolate student in classroom until parent/guardian pick up.
 Review hand washing technique and clean affected items
(classroom headphones etc.)
 When student returns to school, obtain documentation from
the medical provider regarding clearance to return to class.
 Log students dismissed into Communicable Condition Log.
 A letter may be sent to classroom parents/guardian to inform
of possible presence of ringworm.
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Ringworm (Tinea)


o Ringworm of the body
 Report possible infection to SDI. If SDI concurs with
suspicion of ringworm, send ringworm letter to
parent/guardian informing them of needed treatment.
 Does not need to be excluded from school if lesion is
covered.
 Review hand washing technique and clean affected items.
 Upon return to school next day, obtain note from
parent/guardian regarding treatment implemented (if no note
brought in refer to school nurse).
 Log students in Communicable Condition Log.
 May send ringworm letter to classroom parents/guardians.
Parent/Guardian
o Ringworm of the scalp
 Pick up child immediately and seek necessary medical
evaluation.
 Secure documentation from the medical provider regarding
treatment plan and return to school clearance.
 Complete course of medication if indicated providing school
with medication consent form if treatment required during
school hours.
Nurse
o Education of school personnel, parent/guardian, and student about
ringworm, including its mode of transmission and means of
prevention.
o Review Communicable Condition Log weekly providing follow up as
indicated or requested.
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