My 8-Year-Old Has Had These Marks for 2 Months — They’re Getting Worse. What Could It Be?

When a child develops unusual red or circular marks on the skin, it's natural for parents to become concerned—especially when the spots remain for weeks and appear to be spreading or changing.

The image accompanying this story shows several round or ring-shaped reddish patches on the back of a child's neck. While a photograph cannot provide a definite diagnosis, persistent circular skin lesions can have several possible causes.

One possibility that often comes to mind is ringworm, a common fungal skin infection. But other conditions can produce similar-looking marks, which is why a healthcare professional should examine a child whose rash has lasted for two months or is getting worse.

Here are some possibilities parents should know about.

1. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Despite its name, ringworm isn't caused by a worm.

It is a fungal infection of the skin caused by organisms called dermatophytes.

Ringworm commonly produces a circular or oval rash that may gradually expand outward. The edge can appear more noticeable than the center, sometimes creating the familiar “ring” appearance.

Depending on the child's skin and the stage of the infection, the area may be:

• Red or pink
• Itchy
• Scaly
• Dry
• Slightly raised around the edges
• Circular or irregularly shaped

Children can acquire ringworm through contact with an infected person or animal. It can also spread through contaminated objects such as towels, clothing, bedding, sports equipment, or hairbrushes.

Because children frequently have close contact with pets and other children, fungal infections can spread relatively easily.

Important:

Not every ring-shaped rash is ringworm.

A healthcare professional may need to examine the skin or perform a simple test to determine whether fungus is actually present.

2. Fungal Infections Can Spread Without Treatment

One reason persistent circular rashes deserve attention is that fungal infections may gradually enlarge.

A child may initially have one small patch.