Ringworm, despite its misleading name, is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. These fungi thrive on keratin, the protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This common infection can be transmitted from animals to humans, making it zoonotic.
How Ringworm Spreads from Animals
Ringworm spreads through direct contact with an infected animal, such as when petting or handling them. Indirect contact also plays a significant role, involving contaminated objects (fomites) like pet bedding, grooming tools, food bowls, furniture, and carpets where an infected animal has rested or shed.
Fungal spores are notably hardy, surviving in the environment for months or even up to two years, especially in warm, moist conditions. Common animal carriers include domesticated pets (cats, dogs), farm animals (cattle, horses, goats), and rodents. Some animals are asymptomatic carriers, shedding spores without visible infection signs. For infection to take hold, skin often needs to be slightly abraded, as the fungus typically cannot infect healthy, intact skin.
Recognizing Ringworm in Animals and People
Identifying ringworm in animals can be challenging due to their fur, as signs are subtle or vary. Indications include circular patches of hair loss, often with scaly or crusty skin, redness, and broken hairs. Affected areas might also appear as dry, grey, or inflamed patches.
In humans, ringworm typically presents as a red, itchy, scaly rash forming a characteristic ring shape, often with raised borders and a clearer center. The rash can appear on the trunk, limbs, and face. While the classic ring-shaped lesion is common, other fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot or jock itch are also caused by similar fungi. Symptoms generally develop within 4 to 14 days after exposure.
Protecting Yourself and Your Pets
Preventing ringworm transmission involves good hygiene and environmental control. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is important after handling pets or farm animals, especially if infection is suspected. Regularly inspecting pets for signs of skin changes, such as hair loss or scaling, aids in early detection.
If a pet is suspected of having ringworm or a new pet is introduced, isolating them helps prevent spore spread to other animals or people. Cleaning and disinfecting pet living areas and shared items, including bedding, toys, and grooming tools, is important. A diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or other effective disinfectants can be used on hard surfaces.
Taking infected pets to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary, often involving oral antifungal medications and topical treatments like medicated shampoos or creams. Complete the full course of treatment as advised, even if symptoms improve, to ensure eradication and prevent recurrence.
Avoiding contact with stray or wild animals showing signs of skin issues reduces exposure risks. If human symptoms appear and do not improve after two weeks of over-the-counter antifungal products, or if the infection is on the scalp, seek medical attention.