How to Prevent Ringworm Infection

Last Updated: May 27, 2022 References

Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is a common fungal infection. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are two forms, while ringworm can also infect the scalp or any other area of skin’s surface. By keeping your skin clean and avoiding potential sources of infection, you can likely prevent yourself from catching a ringworm. If you or a family member are infected, there are also safe and easy steps to rid yourself of the infection and prevent it from spreading.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Keeping Your Skin Clean and Dry

1
Wash and dry your skin frequently. Keeping your skin clean is the best way to prevent a ringworm infection. Dark, warm areas of your body are the spots where the fungus can grow most easily, but a ringworm infection can occur almost anywhere on your body. Wash your entire body with soap and water every day, making sure to give attention to your feet, groin, and scalp.^{[2]
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American Academy of Dermatology
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- Change your socks and underwear daily.
- Physical activity in warm, humid weather or while wearing thick clothing in cold weather can increase the likelihood of an ringworm infection. Be sure to wash with soap and water after any physical activity that caused you to sweat heavily.
2
Take particular care in keeping your feet clean and dry. Feet provide the perfect environment for fungus to grow. To avoid exposing yourself to ringworm, wear sandals in locker rooms and public showers. Further, keep your toenails cut short and clean them whenever you wash the rest of your body.^{[3]
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- If possible, wear footwear that allow your feet access to air, such as supportive sandals.
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3
Wash yourself immediately after playing contact sports. Take a shower as soon as you conclude playing a sport or anything else that involves skin-to-skin contact with other people. Use soap, and don’t forget to wash everywhere on your body that came into contact with others, as well as anywhere sweat may have collected, including your feet, groin, and scalp.^{[4]
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4
Don’t share used personal items with others. Particularly if there is a chance someone may have ringworm, take care to avoid wearing anything that they’ve worn before it’s been properly cleaned. This may include either clothing or sporting equipment, such as a baseball helmet. Similarly, don’t use towels or sleep in sheets used by someone who may be infected with ringworm.^{[5]
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- Know that the fungi that cause infections such as ringworm can remain on many different types of items, from hairbrushes to furniture.^{[6]
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- Be sure to wear socks when using rental items such as bowling shoes or skates.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating Ringworm Infection

1
Recognize signs of ringworm infection on the skin. Ringworm is often visibly apparent, as it usually results in red, scaly patches or rounded bumps on the skin. Even before there are visible signs, however, an infected patch of skin will become very itchy. Actual rings of reddened, raised, and scaly skin may develop, though ringworm may be present without these rings.^{[7]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Neither athlete’s foot nor jock itch lead to the formation of actual rings. Rather, these infections will lead to itchy, red, and scaly patches.
- Avoid scratching or otherwise irritating ringworm infections, as this may spread the infection and can also lead to bacterial superinfection.
2
Watch for ringworm on the scalp and nails as well. Ringworm on the scalp usually appears initially as a small round bump that may look like a pimple; however, the spot will quickly become flaky, irritated, red, and/or scaly. Hair may even fall out. Additionally, watch for lightening of the color of the nails, or increased brittleness, as these symptoms may also indicate a ringworm infection.^{[8]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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3
Watch children in particular for signs of ringworm. Children are especially likely to be exposed to ringworm, and are less likely to acknowledge initial symptoms as signs of an infection that needs to be addressed. Further, schools are sites at which outbreaks of ringworm commonly occur. As such, watch out for signs of infection in kids and get children treated as quickly as possible.^{[9]
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- Factors that increase the risk of ringworm infection in children also include more frequent use of communal showers, participation in contact sports, and suppressed immune systems. These all also contribute to the rapid spread of ringworm among children.
4
Begin treatment as soon as possible. Regardless of the site or intensity of an infection or the age of the person infected, act immediately to treat the infection and prevent its spread. You do not need to avoid work or keep kids from going to school, as ringworm is not dangerous.^{[10]
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National Health Service (UK)
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- In particular, ensure any children that are infected or at risk of infection are washing frequently.
5
Treat ringworm on your skin with over-the-counter products. Many cases of ringworm, particularly athlete’s foot and jock itch, can be treated with non-prescription medications. There are various lotions, creams, gels, sprays and powders you can apply to affected areas every day. These medications should clear your infection within to to four weeks.^{[11]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Look for a medication that includes clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or ketoconazole.
- Follow the specific instructions on the packaging of whichever over-the-counter medication you acquire. Usually, you’ll want to cover the visible infection and the area immediately surround the infection.
- Note that creams, lotions, and powders will not rid a case of ringworm on the scalp.
6
Treat more serious cases with prescriptions antifungal medication. If your ringworm infection worsens or persists beyond a few weeks, see a doctor. Ringworm on the scalp is especially likely to persist without prescription medications, which are often prescribed as oral medications that will need to be taken for one to three months.^{[12]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Your doctor may check your liver function with a blood test before starting the oral medications. Some antifungal medications can have adverse affects on the liver, especially in those with liver disease.
- There are several antifungal prescription medications, including griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Your Pet’s Ringworm From Spreading

1
Wash your hands after touching your pet. You should always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after playing with your pets, as cats and dogs can both catch ringworm, not to mention various other illnesses. If you believe your pet may have ringworm, take them to the vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, take steps to prevent you or anyone else from catching ringworm from your pet.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- If your pet’s hair becomes patchy, or you’ve noticed scratching more frequently than usual, get them to vet!
2
Protect your own skin if your pet is infected.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.} Wear clothing with long sleeves and gloves when handling a pet that may be infected with ringworm. If your immune system is in any way compromised by illness or medication, do not handle the pet at all.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- If the vet reports that your pet does indeed have ringworm, be sure to have any other pets checked as well.
3
Disinfect the areas where your pet likes to spend time. Ringworm may be present on bits of your pet’s skin and hairs that are shed around your home. Clean any of the areas where they spend time, including any furniture or bedding.^{[16]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Use a gallon of water with a ¼ cup of bleach added, a cleaning solution with benzalkonium chloride, or a strong detergent to clean surfaces and materials.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How is ringworm spread?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Ringworm is spread through lesions that form on the skin. You can catch ringworm from both people and animals.
Question

Can you get ringworm from pets?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Yes, it's totally possible to get ringworm from a pet. If your pet has ringworm, protect your skin with clothing while you're handling it.