In fact, ringworm accounts for over 90 percent of fungal infections of the skin in children under age 10 in the U.S. Healthcare professionals agree that its prevalence has been increasing steadily over the past few years, and that it now constitutes a significant public health problem in this country. The infection is often misdiagnosed and treated improperly, leading to painful and permanent consequences for the infected, and an increased risk of infecting others.
Symptoms can include hair loss, itching and dandruff.
It can be spread through direct contact with another infected person or through contact with combs, hats, articles of clothing, mats, etc. Many who are infected with ringworm do not seek the proper treatment or go undiagnosed, which can lead to severe pain, permanent hair loss, scar formation on the scalp, missed days of school and risk of spreading the infection to others. Although children under 10 are at greatest risk, anyone can be infected with ringworm, including adults. Those younger and older accounted for 19 and four percent, respectively. Fifty-eight percent were male.