What is Ringworm?
Ringworm has nothing to do with worms at all, it’s actually a skin fungus. The name comes from the circular marks that tend to come with the infection. It can be read and itchy. (Take heed if you Google images of it, it's NOT pretty) Ringworm is HIGHLY contagious/transferrable between people and animals. So, if you get it, your pet can get it from you and vice versa.
Ringworm can appear any where on the body. Specific areas of the body that are infected with ringworm may have specific names. For example, ringworm on the feet is known as Athlete’s Foot, the groin is known as Jock Itch, etc. No matter where it occurs, it MUST be treated. Without treatment, the rash gets worse, itches more and covers more of the body. Treatment is essential to keep it from spreading to other parts of your body and to keep you from spreading it to others.
How can you get it? You can get it from skin to skin contact from another person; petting or grooming infected animals; touching objects or surfaces that have been touched by those infected; in rare cases, it can spread through infected soil.
Why do some people get it and some don’t? Some people have a weaker immune system; some participate in sports where there is sweating and lots of skin to skin contact; some get it from sharing towels/bedding with someone who has a fungal infection; and those who are around animals or environments where there are or have been infected individuals, more than others, have a higher risk of getting Ringworm.
Best Practices: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water. If you are around animals, wash your hands, arms and any other exposed areas after visitation and change your clothing, especially your shoes. Do not share towels, clothes, and other personal items in schools, child care centers, gyms, locker rooms and the like. Avoid infected animals. If you notice an animal has patches of fur missing and red, itchy skin, this may indicate they have Ringworm (or another skin condition) and you should avoid them, if possible.
Preventing it is the best course of action. Ringworm can stay in an environment for up to 18 months! So, if an area becomes contaminated, cleaning it is imperative. A bleach-water solution is best for cleaning objects in a contaminated area. Anything that might hold spores that can be discarded should be. More on that in the Infected Environment section.
Treatments: You want to confirm with a doctor first that you actually have Ringworm so that you appropriately treat the right thing. Fungus’ are treated very differently from other skin infections. There are many over the counter remedies that will work. Look for anti-fungal creams, lotions and powders. Most commonly used ones are Clotrimazole (Lotrimin or Mycelex) and Miconazole. Follow the instructions on the medications, even if you think it’s gone away. DO NOT use any of these medications for your pet. Your vet will prescribe the right medications and dosages for your furry friends. Vets may give creams or lotions or even prescribe special bathing rituals for infected animals. Please follow all instructions provided by your vet and follow up with them with any concerns you have.
Infected Environment: Once you have Ringworm in a home, extensive cleaning begins! You must clean and disinfect solid surfaces (bleach-water solution recommended). You must launder bedding, towels, rugs, soft articles, anything that may have been touched (hot water, detergent and bleach-water solution are preferred). You’ll need to vacuum all furniture, carpet, drapes, etc. and then discard the vacuum cleaner bag so that none of the spores can get out and re-infect the home again. You can use duct tape to remove any hair the vacuum may have missed. Clean wood and tile floors with bleach-water solution. Avoid brooms as they are difficult to decontaminate and may spread spores even more. Steam clean (with hot water) all carpet and rugs. Replace all air/furnace filters. They trap Ringworm spores so you shouldn’t have to clean your air ducts. Just be sure to place the filters outside of your environment so as not to re-infect your home. You will also need to scrub walls, floors, lamps, car interiors, any surface spores might touch with a bleach-water solution. (Don’t forget to disinfect your pet carriers!) Cleaning and disinfection of the environment should be repeated at least once every 4-6 weeks (the more often, the better) until ALL affected animals and people have eliminated the fungal infection.
If your pets are infected and you are not, it may be best to keep those animals confined to an easy-to-clean room until the vet confirms all Ringworm is gone.
For additional info, try these links:
https://www.foundanimals.org/all-about-ringworm-in-dogs-and-cats/
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/contagious-skin-diseases/ringworm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/symptoms-causes/syc-20353780
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/what-you-should-know-about-ringworm#1
https://figopetinsurance.com/blog/pet-ringworm-treatment-requires-home-cleaning
https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2008/10/articles/animals/cats/ringworm-part-2-cleaning-up/