Word parts
tinea ringworm, fungal skin infectioncapitis of the head
What it means
A ringwormRING-wurmA fungal skin infection that forms a ring-shaped patch; it is not caused by a worm.Full entry infection caused by fungi that live on the hair shaft and scalp; there is no worm. It is most common in children. It spreads by contact with infected people or pets and by shared combs, brushes, hats and pillows. Because the fungus lives in the hair, creams alone do not cure it; an antifungal taken by mouth, such as griseofulvin or terbinafine, is needed for weeks.
For the nurse
Teach the family to give the oral medicine for the full course, with a fatty meal if it is griseofulvin, not to share combs, hats or pillows, and to have pets checked.