“How are ringworm infections treated in babies?”
My baby has a recurrent ringworm infection that comes up in the folds of his thighs. How can I prevent this infection from recurring?
6 Answers
Diagnosis is imperative here. Dermatitis in the skin folds called intertrigo may be due to recurrent yeast infection, but may simply be due the accumulation of moisture in the folds and its inability to evaporate because of the occlusion of skin touching skin. Often goes away spontaneously when the baby grows and loses the fatty folds.
This in fact may not be ringworm but simply an irritant dermatitis. Rinse the thigh areas 3-4 times daily with just comfi temp water and pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing. A small amt of talc may also help keep it dry
If you haven’t seen your pediatrician that would certainly be the first step. Barrier creams/ointments such as Vaseline or Aquaphor are good to protect skin from water, which can lead to candidal (yeast)/fungal (ring worm) infections. Ensuring the skin is completely dry is another important step. If your physician is not able to assist with keeping this infection/irritation down look into getting a referral to your local board certified dermatologist.
Sounds like groin intertrigo. I recommend loose clothes; pat dry after bathing with a cleanser such as dove bar for sensitive skin; pat dry, if severe ,blow dry on cool; and use powder such as zeasorb.
It can be treated with a antifungal creams. Keeping the baby dry and changing the diaper frequently will help.
Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, DO, FAOCD
Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, DO, FAOCD
Ring worms are not worms. They are fungus. You should consult a qualified dermatologist for treatment and prevention.
