City 'ringworm epidemic' warning

Ringworm can mean children have to take time off school

Parents are being warned about a highly contagious skin infection which is spreading rampantly among children.

Fungal infection scalp ringworm causes a range of symptoms including a scaly scalp and hair loss which can be permanent if left untreated.

Ringworm used to be largely passed on by pets but a new form is passed easily between people.

The British Skin Foundation said the disease was reaching epidemic proportions in some areas.

The loss of hair can cause emotional upheaval Dr Colin Holden President elect of the British Association of Dermatologists

Cases of ringworm, which is already widespread in North America, have increased massively in inner city areas including London, Birmingham and Bristol.

In the past, the main cause of ringworm was M Canis, an organism passed on from cats and dogs, and cases were relatively rare.

However in recent years, a new organism called Trichophyton tonsurans has emerged which spreads directly between humans.

This means that it can easily be passed on between schoolchildren and family members.

Experts believe hair-styling methods such as braiding, head shaving and certain hair oils may increase transmission - and rates are particularly high among children of Afro-Caribbean origin.

Dr Colin Holden, president elect of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "Six years ago, I would see three cases of ringworm a year. Now I see as many as three a week."

He said the Trichophyton tonsurans now accounted for around 90% of cases.

'Time off'

He added: "To control the spread of disease from child to child, we need to make sure individual instances are diagnosed and treated as promptly as possible."

"It is not simply a case of a few flakes that will disappear with time - this condition can require a child to take time off school and the loss of hair can cause emotional upheaval too."

This particular type of ringworm can be treated by oral medication, shampoo and a cream.

However, the precise reason for the spread of the disease are still unclear and skin experts say more research is needed.

Director of the British Skin Foundation (BSF) Matthew Patey said: "Many skin diseases are on the rise for reasons that are still largely unclear and ringworm is a prime example.

"This is why it is crucial that we conduct research to help us understand the cause of skin disease, and to allow us to develop new treatments.

"As well as being a health problem, a condition like ringworm that can lead to hair loss can greatly impact on a child's self confidence."

The Department of Health said: "We would advise parents who believe their children may have ringworm, or any other skin condition, to contact their family doctors in the first instance.

"Doctors are becoming more familiar with ringworm as it becomes more common."