Is Ringworm Contagious

Ringworm is an infectious fungal disease that affects various parts of the body. The affected parts include skin (especially the groin portion), scalp, nails and feet. Medically, ringworm is referred to as tinea. It can affect both human and domesticated animals like cattle and sheep. Based on the infected area, there are several types of ringworm, namely, ringworm of the body (tinea corporis), ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), ringworm of the nails and ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis). It is estimated that ringworm infection occurs in more than 20 percent of the global population.

Ringworm Causes and Symptoms

Previously, this health problem was believed to have caused by a worm, hence the name ringworm is assigned. However, scientific researches have shown that the causes of ringworm is by fungal infection, but not by worms. Considering this, the term tinea is given afterward. The fungus that is responsible for causing ringworm belongs to the group, dermatophytes. As the name signifies, a dermatophyte resides and multiplies in the outer skin epidermis of human and animals, at times, in the soil.

Ringworm causes and symptoms vary depending upon the area that has been infected by the fungus. Ringworm of the skin results in a red, scaly and itchy rash that may develop in a ring like pattern. The outer side of the ring is darker, which encloses a lighter skin color in the center. In some cases, ringworm symptom is manifested as several patches on the body. Ringworm of the nails may result in a discolored nail, while scalp ringworm may cause baldness of the affected area.

Is Ringworm Contagious

It is a common query among the people, is ringworm contagious and how long is it contagious? Ringworm is contagious, both by direct contact and indirect contact. If a healthy person gets in direct contact with a ringworm infected person, then he/she may develop ringworm. In case of indirect contact, the fungus spreads through contact with the objects such as clothes, brushes, combs, furniture etc., which carry the fungus. Anyone is at a risk of getting ringworm infection. At times, ringworm infection takes place through soil that contains the fungus.

The treatment of ringworm is done by the administration of antifungal medications. Ringworm of the skin can be treated effectively in the early stages by applying topical ointments. However, if it is left untreated, the skin may crack and bleed in which bacterial infection may occur. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe both antibiotics and antifungal medications. Once the treatment of ringworm is started, the circular rash shrinks and gets healed within a few days. After two days of treatment, ringworm is no longer contagious.

While speaking about the prevention of ringworm, some of the important precautions include personal hygiene (frequent washing of hands), avoid contact with infected individuals or pets and avoid sharing of clothes or common items. The clothes and items that are touched by infected people should be washed thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial or antifungal solutions in order to avoid further spreading of the fungus. Doing so will help in killing the fungus as well as their spores that have the potential to spread to others. Since fungus thrives well in warm and moist conditions such as swimming pool closets and lockers, one should be careful while using clothes and belongings kept in such areas. It is also advisable not to walk barefoot in public gyms and showers, so as to minimize the risk of ringworm of the foot.