Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs, A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin, Have close contact with an infected person or animal, Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection, Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling. You may be more likely to develop dermatophytosis if you come in contact with fungi while your skin is soft and wet from prolonged water exposure (macerated) or while you have minor skin injuries or abrasions. Many cats, especially longhaired breeds, may have ringworm without any clinical signs at all. Both cats and dogs can get ringworm, and then pass it on to humans who touch them. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It's a fungal infection that often forms a ring-shaped rash. Its important to remember that some cats can be asymptomatic carriers of this fungus and may shed ringworm spores into the environment even without obvious skin lesions. Commitment is the key to success in freeing your cat from ringworm. This usually starts as an itchy red, brown, or gray rash where your leg and body meet. Daily is best! Wash carefully with warm water and a soft cloth. Rat poison is a pretty common form of pest control used to get rid of unwanted rodents in your home, and its pretty easy to get hold of. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Most medications are prescribed for between one and three months. reserved. Pilmis B, et al. Centers for Disease Control, Ringworm https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html, The Mayo Clinic, Ringworm https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/symptoms-causes/syc-20353780, World Health Organization, Dermatophyte infections https://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh2918e/5.html, Stoppler, Melissa C., Dr. Ringworm MedicineNet https://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/article.htm, How to Get Rid of Roaches Coming from Neighbors: House or Apartment. We only recommend products proven to be effective for the purpose stated. Heat and moisture help fungi grow and thrive, which makes them more common in areas where you sweat. Washing hands thoroughly after contact with animals. Your healthcare provider can treat more widespread ringworm with oral antifungal medication. It can have a red center (seen here) or normal skin tone inside the ring. Fungi also grows in skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes. While the actual length of time will differ from person to person, it generally takes 2-4 weeks for the condition to clear up with treatment. So, if there is any suspicious patch on the scalp or beard, one should go to the doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Ringworm (body) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center, creating the appearance of a ring. Ringworm is caused by contact with fungus. [1] Symptoms begin four to fourteen days after exposure. [2] Typically it results in a red, itchy, scaly, circular rash. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? In fact, most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. The period of time between exposure to the fungus and the development of lesions is usually between 7 to 14 days, though with some cases, 3 to 4 weeks may pass before signs are noted. Do not prematurely However, kittens have shown the most susceptibility. They will usually have a loss of fur on their skin, often in a circular pattern. Ringworm most commonly affects the skin on the body (tinea corporis), the scalp (tinea capitis), the feet (tinea pedis, or athlete's foot), or the groin (tinea cruris, or jock itch). Animal to human. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/21/2022. Other potential complications include: The complications of tinea capitis can be worrisome because it can produce life-long permanent hair loss. Doctors dont usually recommend taking oral medications to treat fungal infections during pregnancy. The fungi can spread to humans in four ways: Anyone can get ringworm, but you may be more at risk if you: Your doctor will diagnose ringworm by examining your skin and possibly using a black light to view the affected area. Use public locker rooms or public showers. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Infected animals shed spores into the environment, so disinfection of the areas where your cat spends time is as important as treating your actual cat. The patches often have sharply defined edges. (12) David Madison / Photographer's Choice / Getty Images These lesions usually show up around the ears and head, front legs, or back (though they may show up anywhere on the body). You should also wash your hands frequently after petting your dog to reduce the risk of infection whenever possible. Apple cider vinegar may cause open sores or inflammation. Ringworm is not caused by a worm. All rights reserved. Signs typically appear between four and 14 days after your skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm, including: Despite its name, a fungus causes ringworm. However, most are successfully treated by applying an anti-fungal ointment to the infection site. To completely eradicate the fungal infection, your vets will plan a treatment lasting for several weeks or several months. Well discuss causes of itching and share home, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. However, when their environment gets hot and damp, the fungi start growing uncontrollably. Ringworm is an example of a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans). In some obvious cases, you can easily realize ringworm symptoms by observing. There are several types of ringworm (tinea) that can affect different parts of the body. It can be spread in the following ways: Human to human. If your cat has ringworm, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it from spreading to yourself or others in your home. Kittens and long-haired cats are more likely to get this infection, named for the circle-shaped sores it forms on the skin. Plaque psoriasis is a disorder due to immune dysfunction that produces inflammatory plaques on your skin. These skin lesions may frequently ooze. Jock itch: Tinea cruris, or jock itch, causes a red, itchy rash in your groin, upper thighs or rectum. Yes. but may look less red and irritated. However, the infection is very common among children and people who own cats or dogs. Ringworm mainly occurs due to fungus infection. Depending on the type of fungus, it may sometimes fluoresce (glow) under black light. We break down what causes it and how to treat it. Ringworm often causes a ring-shaped rash that is itchy, scaly and slightly raised. The ointment can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. In: Mind the Gap: A Handbook of Clinical Signs in Black and Brown Skin. Wash sweat and grime from skin and hair as soon as possible following vigorous activity. Redness or gray scaling of the lesions may also be noted, along with dull, poor fur. The stages of ringworm healing has only just begun! American Family Physician. The next sign the ringworm infection is healing is the appearance of flaky skin. Ringworm is a misnomer, since a fungus, not a worm, causes the infection. Oral therapy: These medications are considered the most effective treatment against ringworm in cats because this treatment targets the fungus to stop reproduction and spread. the lesions or ring-shaped marks are visible, oozing, or otherwise opened. More serious infections may require treatment for six to 12 weeks. For treatment to be successful, all environmental contamination must also be eliminated. Instead, discuss any you might like to try alongside proven treatments with your doctor. For these furry four-legged friends that have been susceptible to repeated infection living in these environments, it is necessary that pet owners and shelter workers always keep the environment clean and routinely wash their hands as well as clothes. One species of dermatophyte, Microsporum canis, is responsible for almost all ringworm infections in cats. When they come in contact with the skin of human, they usually take the form of ringworm. When shes not writing about animals, youll find her writing poetry, stories, and film reviews (cats, by far, her favorite writing topic, though!). Dermatophytosis - Wikipedia Unaffected family members may benefit from using the shampoo as well. All rights reserved. Youre at greater risk of getting ringworm if you sweat excessively or have minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails. This contagious fungal infection is not a threat to life, but cats can find it uncomfortable since it covers several large areas of her body and may be spread to other pets and humans. Groin Jock itch, known as tinea cruris, refers to ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. Last medically reviewed on February 17, 2022. The main ways ringworm spreads are: Your healthcare provider can diagnose ringworm by looking at your skin and assessing your symptoms. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. As an amazon associate, we earn from qualified purchases. We avoid using tertiary references. Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection otherwise known as tinea. Blisters and the ring-shaped rash will still be present, Small isolated plaques can sometimes look similar to ringworm. Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. Corticosteroid creams may help reduce inflammation, but they shouldnt be used to treat ringworm. But, ringworm can take other forms, particularly when it develops on the face, hands, scalp, feet, groin, or nails. To prevent recurrence during the recovery period, make sure to keep your cat environment, your house, and furniture clean at its best! Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair, which could be a sign of a fungal infection. This is where we document our experience and our research using credible sources such as the CDC and EPA. It spreads easily and through close contact. This skin irritation often looks like a ring on your cat. Ringworm affects people of all ages. Treatment is usually a combination of medication applied to the cats skin and an oral medication. Consult your Dr. at once if youre re-entering the cycle. [1] Hair loss may occur in the area affected. (9) Copyright 2007 Interactive Medical Media LLC Ringworm (body) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Symptoms may reoccur if the treatment is discontinued early or is not aggressive enough, or if there is an underlying condition affecting your cats immune system. Its important to note that even though these cats dont look sick, they are very contagious. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. In cases like these, there may be irregular patches of skin dryness, redness, and scaling as well as tiny blisters or pimples. I don't have that much experience with ringworm, but in the two cases . In addition to prescription and OTC medication, your doctor may recommend that you care for the infection at home by: Take an in-depth look at ringworm treatments here. Treating infected cats is not too difficult. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Ringworm often spreads by direct, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. If youre looking for an environmentally friendly cat litter, you may be wondering if corn litter is a better option, Its the moment that no cat owner wants to contemplate. Learn more. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. These require different treatments, so it's important to consult a medical professional. Thanks everyone! Examples of these drugs, which are fine to use when applied topically, include: However, its always best to talk with your doctor before using any medications while pregnant. . Some of the stages you may see include: Because ringworm is so contagious, youll want to start treatment at the first signs of it. The lesion may grow in size and become irregular in shape. A fungus causes ringworm, while a dysfunctional immune system causes psoriasis. After the disappointing news you were given a prescription for anti-fungal cream or youre told to get yourself some over the counter Lotrimin before being sent on your way. The outer edge is more inflamed and scaly than the paler centre. Pay particular attention to Skin biopsy: Sometimes, a biopsy is performed to find fungal spores and rule out other skin issues. It's not a worm. You might ask your healthcare provider: No, ringworm isnt a worm. It's most common in men and adolescent boys. If left untreated, ringworm can spread to other areas of your body. If youre experiencing severe dermatophytosis that isnt responding to OTC treatments or home remedies, or if you suspect a tinea infection of your scalp or hair follicles, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills to clear up the infection.

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