Ringworm and Daycare: Policy, Treatment and When to Attend

Updated November 2026.

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection, not a worm. It causes a round, red, scaly patch with a clearer center. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says children with ringworm can stay in child care once treatment has started, and if treatment begins after the program day, no time out is needed. Scalp ringworm needs a doctor and prescription medicine.

Here is how to recognize ringworm, treat it and keep it from spreading at daycare and at home.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by fungi that live on skin, hair and nails. On the body it is called tinea corporis, and on the scalp tinea capitis. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, shared items such as towels, hats, combs and bedding, and from pets, especially cats and dogs.

Signs of ringworm

On the body: a flat, round, red patch with a raised, scaly edge that slowly grows outward, often clearer in the middle. It may itch.
On the scalp: a scaly, itchy patch, sometimes with broken hairs, bald spots or bumps filled with pus.

Other rashes, such as eczema, can look similar, so have your pediatrician take a look.

Can my child go to daycare with ringworm?

According to the AAP's child care exclusion guidance, children with ringworm can return after treatment begins. If you start treatment in the evening, your child does not need to miss the next day. Ringworm is not on the list of illnesses in Illinois licensing rules that require a child to stay home, but centers may have their own policies, so ask.

To protect other children:

Cover the patch with clothing or a bandage when possible.
Do not share hats, combs, brushes, towels or bedding.
Send your child's own labeled blanket and nap items.

How ringworm is treated

Body ringworm: usually treated with an antifungal cream. Keep using it as long as directed, often for a couple of weeks or more, even after the rash looks better.
Scalp ringworm: needs prescription antifungal medicine taken by mouth, often for several weeks. Creams alone do not work for the scalp. Your doctor may also suggest a special shampoo.
Have your vet check pets with patchy hair loss or scaly skin.

If medicine or cream must be applied at daycare, Illinois centers need your written permission. See our guide to medicine at daycare in Illinois.

Preventing ringworm

Wash hands after playing with pets.
Keep skin clean and dry.
Wash towels, bedding and hats in hot water during an infection.
Check family members and pets if one person has ringworm.

When to call the doctor

Any patch on the scalp
The rash spreads or does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment
The area becomes red, warm, swollen or oozing
Your child has many patches

For general sick-day rules, see daycare fever rules and how often daycare kids get sick.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child go to daycare with ringworm?

Yes, once treatment has started. Cover the patch when you can.

Is ringworm contagious?

Yes. It spreads by touch, shared items and pets. Treatment makes it much less likely to spread.

How long does ringworm take to clear?

Body ringworm often improves within a couple of weeks of treatment. Scalp ringworm takes longer and needs oral medicine.

Did my child get ringworm from daycare?

Maybe, but pets and other family members are also common sources. Check everyone, including pets.

Health and hygiene at Children's Land

If a child becomes sick during the day at Children's Land, the director calls the designated adult from the Emergency Information Form, and the child rests away from the group until pickup. Learn about our toddler program, find a location, or contact us.

Ringworm and Daycare: Policy, Treatment and When to Attend