Fungi are organisms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. While these organisms live in or on animals and plants, other types of fungi can live on people and cause all sorts of skin diseases. The most common fungal infections caused by fungi in children include scalp ringworm, body ringworm, and tinea versicolor.
If you think that your child has a fungal infection, you should visit one of the pediatric dermatology experts here in the Santa Monica Dermatology Group at Santa Monica, CA. After all, prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital for fungal infections, especially in children.
Common Fungal Infection Causes
Fungal infections could occur when a fungus attacks the skin’s outer layer, either on the body or the scalp. In most cases, fungi need unclean, moist, and warm skin to flourish. This means that you should encourage your children to practice proper hygiene habits to prevent developing a fungal infection. Kids can likewise catch a ringworm infection directly from the infected pet, person, or from the soil. In addition, they can catch fungal infections from clothing, combs, hats, or household items such as beddings and carpets among others.
How to Know If Your Child Has a Fungal Infection
See your pediatric dermatology doctor in Santa Monica, CA, if your child has the following symptoms:
- Body Ringworm – Symptoms include itchiness, oval or round flaky patches with slightly reddened and raised borders, and inflamed portions with oozing pus.
- Scalp Ringworm – Symptoms include itchy and scaly patches, one or several hairless patches, tiny blackish spots on the scalp, tender boggy areas, and short broken hairs.
- Tinea Versicolor – Symptoms include discolored skin patches on the upper arms, neck, chest, or back. The patches could be itchy, darker or lighter than the skin surrounding pale-colored or darker-colored skin, slightly flaky, and have well-defined edges. The patches could likewise be more visible after being exposed to the sun.
How to Treat Fungal Infections in Children
If your child has a fungal infection on the face or body, your doctor will prescribe an antifungal lotion or cream with antifungal ingredients such as clotrimazole, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole. However, for widespread infections or those affecting the scalp, your child may be prescribed oral antifungal medication.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections in Children
The most common way that fungal infections spread is through direct contact with infected people and things. Teach your child to keep away from infected pets, people, or things, and get your precious pets checked up if you suspect that they have a fungal infection. Additionally, discourage your child from using other people’s things such as hats, combs, and jackets.
Get Rid of That Fungal Infection Today
Dial (310) 829-4484 to schedule a consultation with our pediatric dermatology specialist here in Santa Monica Dermatology Group in Santa Monica, CA.