ringworm
the complete guide to the childcare exclusion period for ringworm in Australia — how long to keep your child home, symptoms to watch for, and when they can return.
exclusion period
until the day after appropriate antifungal treatment has started
symptoms
- •ring-shaped red or silvery patch on the skin
- •itchy skin
- •scaly or flaky skin within the ring
- •patches that grow slowly over time
incubation period
4-14 days (skin); 10-14 days (scalp)
contagious period
as long as the rash is present and untreated. ringworm can also spread from animals and contaminated objects.
notes for parents
ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. it can affect the skin, scalp, or nails. treatment is usually with antifungal cream or, for scalp ringworm, oral antifungal medication.
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the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service and is not affiliated with any government department.