The Millstone Times May 2019

KIDS & CAMP Ringworm and School Sports By Lauren Kowlacki

Ringworm is very common. Anyone can get ringworm, but people who have weakened immune systems may be espe- cially at risk for infection and may have problems fighting off a ringworm infection. People who use public showers or locker rooms, athletes (particularly those who are involved in contact sports such as wrestling), people who wear tight shoes and have excessive sweating, and people who have close contact with animals may also be more likely to come in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm. Ringworm, or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin. It does not involve an actual worm; it gets its name from the red, circular rash it produces. The infection can be spread easily by direct contact or indirect contact through shared clothing or sports equipment. Most skin conditions do not affect sports participation, but ringworm typically does. Because ringworm can be spread through gym mats, helmets and towels as well as by direct contact, most sports activities, particularly those involving skin-to-skin contact, are off-limits to students diagnosed with ringworm.

The telltale symptom of ringworm is a round rash with a raised, rough, scaly border. As the rash gets larger, the center tends to clear, giving the appearance of a round worm under the skin. Though no such worm is present, the ring continues to grow if left untreated and is usually somewhat itchy. Any rash fitting this description that doesn’t disappear after two weeks may be ringworm. To prevent ringworm, keep your skin clean and dry. Wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around your feet. Don’t walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers. Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day. Don’t share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm. If you’re an athlete involved in close contact sports, shower immediately after your practice session or match, and keep all of your sports gear and uniform clean. Don’t share sports gear (helmet, etc.) with other players. If there is a ringworm outbreak at your child’s school/daycare center, contact your local health department for more information. Tell your child not to share personal items, such as clothing, hairbrushes, and hats, with other people. Take your child to see a pediatrician if he or she develops any symptoms. Also, check with your child’s school or daycare to see if he or she can still attend classes or participate in athletics. QUESTION: Why should I choose early orthodontic treatment for my child with a palate expander? A s Palatal expanders are often placed while a child

times will eliminate the need for extraction of permanent teeth to create space or invasive jaw surgery to correct the growth discrepancy after the jaws fully develop and often makes the difference between a good orthodontic result and a great orthodontist result. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule a complimentary first examination to determine if your child would benefit from this type of treatment. Call For A FREE Consultation On Any Service!

is still growing. They are used to widen the upper jaw so that the upper teeth fit properly together out and over the lower teeth. Underdeveloped growth or narrowing of the upper jaw is one of the major causes of

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crowding. If the upper jaw is too narrow, there is not enough room for all the permanent teeth to erupt, which results in crowding, crossbites, underbites, or an edge-to-edge bite. Palatal expanders will not prevent the need for braces when all the permanent teeth erupt, but often times will eliminate the need for extraction of permanent teeth to create space or invasive jaw surgery to correct the growth discrepancy after the jaws fully develop. As the palate begins to expand, it creates more room in the mouth for all of the teeth and the remaining teeth can begin to shift into position and will be far closer to their final position. A palate expander will reduce treatment time too. Different factors can lead to narrow upper jaw growth such as thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting or mouth breathing due to enlarged tonsils. Although these problems may look harmless, they may have serious long-term consequences on aesthetics and both dental and physical health. Palatal expanders often

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The Millstone Times

May 2019