Ringworm – A fungal infection that may affect the body ...



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.

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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