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 beings 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 feet (tinea pedis). It is estimated that such an infection occurs in more than 20% of the global population.

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 ringworm is caused by fungal infection, and not by worms. Considering this, the term tinea is given to the infection.

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 humans and animals, and at times, in the soil.

The causes and symptoms of this condition 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, the symptoms are manifested as several patches on the body. Ringworm of the nails may result in a discolored nail, while scalp ringworm may cause baldness in the affected area.

Is Ringworm Contagious and For How Long

Yes, ringworm is contagious, by both, direct and indirect contact. If a healthy person gets in direct contact with an infected person, he/she may develop the infection. In case of indirect contact, the fungus spreads through the contact with objects, such as, clothes, brushes, combs, furniture etc., which carry the fungus.

Anyone is at the risk of getting a ringworm infection. At times, the infection takes place through soil that contains the fungus.

The treatment of ringworm is done by the administration of antifungal medications. Infection 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 is started, the circular rash shrinks and gets healed within a few days. After two days of treatment, the ringworm is no longer contagious.

While speaking about the prevention of ringworm, some of the important precautions include personal hygiene (frequent washing of hands), avoiding contact with infected individuals or pets, and avoiding 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.