Ringworm in Babies: Causes, Treatment & GP Advice | Parenting Hub
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection — not a worm. Learn how to identify the classic ring, how it spreads and how it's treated in babies.
Ringworm isn't a worm — it's a fungal infection that makes a slowly-growing pink ring with a clearer centre. It's easy to treat once you know what you're looking at.
What ringworm looks like
A round or oval pink patch that slowly grows outward, with a slightly raised scaly edge and a clearer centre — that's the classic ring. It's mildly itchy. Babies most often pick it up from pets, other children, or shared bedding/towels.
How it's treated
A pharmacist can supply a topical antifungal cream (clotrimazole or miconazole) for use twice daily for 2–4 weeks. Keep applying for a week after the rash looks gone. If it's on the scalp (looks like a scaly bald patch), see a GP — that needs oral medication.
Stopping it spreading
- Wash baby's bedding, towels and clothing in hot water.
- Treat any pets the GP suspects are the source.
- Wash hands after applying cream.
- Daycare exclusion isn't required once treatment has started.
When to seek help
- Ring on scalp with hair loss — needs oral antifungal from GP
- Rash that spreads despite 2 weeks of treatment
- Weeping, pus or fever
Common questions
Could it be eczema instead?
Eczema is usually drier, on cheeks/elbows/knees and doesn't form a clean ring. If unsure, your GP can do a quick skin scraping.
Can my baby still go to daycare?
Yes, once treatment has started and the area is covered with clothing or a dressing.