How to prepare for a video visit about Fungal Skin Infection (Ringworm)

Audience: pediatric

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that often appears as a red, itchy, circular rash. It can affect children and spreads easily through skin contact or shared items. Preparing for a video visit about ringworm can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will usually ask about your child's symptoms and look closely at the affected skin through the camera. They may suggest treatments like antifungal creams or oral medicine depending on the infection's severity. It's important to watch for signs that need urgent care, such as spreading rash with fever or pain. Telemedicine can help with diagnosis and treatment advice but cannot replace in-person exams if the infection is severe or unclear. Preparing well and knowing what to expect can make the video visit smoother and more helpful for your child's care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rash spreading rapidly or covering large areas of the body — seek urgent in-person care.
• Presence of fever, pain, or swelling with the rash — get immediate medical attention.
• Signs of infection such as pus, increased redness, or warmth around the rash — consult a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of typical ringworm rash.
• Providing guidance on antifungal treatments and skin care.
• Answering questions about prevention and when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or widespread infections needing physical examination.
• Rashes with unclear diagnosis requiring lab tests or skin scraping.
• Complications such as bacterial skin infections or systemic symptoms.

What is Ringworm and How Does It Look?

Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin. It usually causes a round, red, scaly patch that may be itchy. The edges of the rash often look raised and clearer than the center, giving it a ring-like shape. It can appear on many parts of the body, including the scalp, feet, and nails.

How to Prepare for Your Child's Video Visit

Before the video visit, find a quiet place with good lighting so the healthcare provider can see the rash clearly. Have your child's skin exposed and clean. You may want to take clear photos of the rash from different angles to share during the visit. Write down any symptoms, when they started, and any treatments tried. Also, note if anyone else in the family has similar symptoms.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's symptoms and medical history. They will ask you to show the rash closely to the camera. Based on what they see and hear, they may recommend antifungal creams or other treatments. They may also give advice on how to prevent the infection from spreading.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the rash is very large, painful, or spreading quickly, or if your child has a fever, you should seek in-person medical care. Also, if the rash does not improve with treatment or if you are unsure about the diagnosis, an in-person visit may be needed.

Tips to Prevent Ringworm

Ringworm spreads easily. To help prevent it, keep your child's skin clean and dry, avoid sharing towels, clothes, or hairbrushes, and encourage wearing footwear in public showers or locker rooms. Treat pets if they have signs of ringworm, as it can spread from animals to people.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video visit.
• Have your child’s affected skin exposed and clean.
• Take clear photos of the rash from different angles.
• Write down when symptoms started and any treatments used.
• Note if others in the household have similar symptoms.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on applying antifungal treatments.
• Keep the affected area clean and dry.
• Avoid sharing personal items to prevent spread.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs of infection.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve as expected.
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent reinfection.

FAQs

Can ringworm go away without treatment?

Ringworm may sometimes clear up on its own, but treatment with antifungal creams usually helps it heal faster and prevents spreading to others.

Is ringworm contagious to other family members?

Yes, ringworm spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact or sharing items like towels and clothing. It's important to keep the infected area covered and practice good hygiene.

How long does treatment for ringworm usually take?

Treatment typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the infection's location and severity. It's important to complete the full course even if the rash improves early.

Can pets give ringworm to children?

Yes, pets such as cats and dogs can carry ringworm and pass it to humans. If your pet has patches of missing fur or skin issues, consult a veterinarian.

When should I call a doctor after starting treatment?

If the rash does not improve within 2 weeks, worsens, or if your child develops fever or pain, contact a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Sources

1. Ringworm — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Tinea (Ringworm) Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Ringworm: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Tinea Infections — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance cannot replace in-person evaluation when urgent or complex care is needed. Always seek immediate medical attention if your child has severe symptoms or if you have concerns about their health.