Is ringworm a high risk?

Anyone can get ringworm, but people who have weakened immune systems may be especially at risk for infection and may have problems fighting off a ringworm infection.

Is ringworm a serious disease?

These fungal infections, medically known as "tinea", are not serious and are usually easily treated. However, they are contagious and easily spread.

Is ringworm something to worry about?

They're usually not dangerous, but sometimes can cause disease. When they infect the skin, they cause mild but annoying rashes. Fungal skin infections are also known as tinea infections.

Is it safe to be around someone with ringworm?

People can get ringworm after contact with someone who has the infection. To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldn't share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people.

What are the risks of ringworm?

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) | Causes, Risk Factors, Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Is ringworm due to poor hygiene?

The fungi that cause ringworm thrive in warm, moist areas. Poor hygiene and long-term wetness of the skin create a perfect environment and raise the risk for a fungal infection.

When is ringworm no longer contagious?

After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all.

Should someone with ringworm quarantine?

No. However, they should be excluded from certain activities that are likely to expose others to the fungus, such as using communal swimming pools or showers, sharing towels, sharing gym equipment or wrestling. Children receiving treatment for ringworm of the scalp may attend school once they start taking medication.

What should I do if I have been exposed to ringworm?

Don't share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm. Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with pets. If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, take it to see a veterinarian.

Is ringworm only contagious if you touch it?

Myth 5: Ringworm isn't contagious

Ringworm is so contagious, in fact, that you don't even have to touch someone to get infected. The fungus can linger in places like locker room floors, as well as on hats, combs, and brushes. If you share an infected brush or comb, you can develop ringworm of the scalp.

Do you need to see a doctor if you have ringworm?

You should see a doctor for ringworm if you have been using over-the-counter antifungal medication for two weeks and have not seen an improvement. Your doctor will likely prescribe you a stronger anti-fungal medication. In rare cases, fungal infections may travel below the skin and infect the internal organs.

How do you clean your house after ringworm?

All bedding, brushes, combs, rugs, cages, etc. should be vacuumed, scrubbed, and washed with hot water, detergent, and 1:100 chlorine laundry bleach, or another effective disinfectant (see above). It is best to throw out any items that cannot be thoroughly disinfected. Walls, floors, lamps, etc.

What kills ringworm in laundry?

Use hot water and detergent when washing bedding and any infected clothes. Hot water alone can kill the fungus. As an extra precaution, add borax or bleach to your wash along with regular laundry detergent. Borax and bleach can be purchased from a grocery store, and they also kill fungal spores.

Is ringworm permanently curable?

Ringworm on the skin like athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) can usually be treated with non-prescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders applied to the skin for 2 to 4 weeks. There are many non-prescription products available to treat ringworm, including: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)

What happens if ringworm goes untreated?

If left untreated, the area can become boggy (spongy), discharge pus and develop areas of hair loss. This form of ringworm is most common in children.

Can you go to school with ringworm?

Children with ringworm should not participate in close contact PE or sports activities. Exclusion from school is not required, but treatment is still recommended.

How long should you stay home if you have ringworm?

How long is it contagious after you start treatment? According to the Seattle Children's Hospital, ringworm stops being contagious after 48 hours of treatment. While undergoing treatment, a person can cover the lesion to help prevent it from coming into contact with other people or objects in the environment.

What are the do's and don'ts of ringworm?

You want to wash away perspiration and keep the area dry. Avoid sharing towels and other personal items. You can easily spread ringworm to others by sharing towels, hats, combs, and other personal items. The fungi can survive on objects for a long time.

How long does it take for ringworm to show up once exposed?

Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.

Do I need to clean my house if I have ringworm?

Ringworm spores persist in the environment, making eradication difficult. So a successful outcome requires treatment of all pets and scrupulous cleaning of the home. To kill ringworm spores, clean and disinfect solid surfaces. Launder bedding and other fabric, small area rugs and soft articles.

How fast does Lotrimin work on ringworm?

For ringworm: Lotrimin® AF Ringworm Cream - cures most ringworm when used 2x per day for 4 weeks.

What happens physically to a person who gets ringworm?

The skin may flake, peel, or crack, and it can itch, sting, burn, or feel uncomfortable. Ringworm on the scalp may start as a small sore that looks like a pimple before becoming patchy, flaky, or scaly. These flakes may look like dandruff. It can make some hair fall out or break into stubble, leaving a bald spot.

Is hot water good for ringworm?

Always use lukewarm water. Avoid using very hot water. Hot water favors fungal growth in the body. Wash the affected parts with cold water once you are done taking a bath.

Should I cover my ringworm when I sleep?

Do not cover the ringworm with a bandage. Wash and dry your hands well.

Which organ gets affected by ringworm?

Ringworm is a common infection of the skin and nails that is caused by fungus.