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Despite its name, Ringworm is a fungus known as a dermatophyte. There are multiple species of ringworm that can be spread among domestic pets as well as humans.
How is Ringworm transmitted and what does an infection look like?
Ringworm is contagious and it can be transmitted via direct contact with infected pets/people, or by touching contaminated objects and surfaces. Fungal spores can remain dormant on multiple surfaces such as pet bedding/brush/food bowls/furniture/carpets and more for up to 18 months. However, contact with Ringworm may not necessarily result in an infection. There are many factors, such as age, health status, as well as how contaminated the environment is.
Ringworm in dogs typically appears as a raised, red, circular lesion on the skin. It can cause hair loss in the area and result in an inflamed and a scabby appearance. If infection goes on further, secondary infection with opportunistic yeast and bacteria may occur.
Ringworm in cats are harder to detect, appearing as circular thickened patches of skin with hair loss and flakiness of the skin. These lesions may be red or gray along with general dull fur and are usually located on the head, chest, front legs, and spine.
Ringworm can also infect your pet’s nail bed, resulting in rough, brittle claws.
How is a ringworm infection diagnosed?
Some species of ringworm can be detected by examination under an ultraviolet light (wood’s lamp). However, not all species can be detected under ultraviolet light. The most accurate method of diagnosing Ringworm is through a fungal culture, fur samples will be retrieved as close to the root and placed on the test medium and left alone for 5-7 days. A positive culture is indicated by the change in colour (yellow to red) of the medium and the presence of fungal colonies.
What is the treatment for ringworm?
A combination of oral and topical treatment with antifungals will typically be prescribed by your veterinarian. However, as the fungus is still present in the environment, treatment may not be sufficient. There are several disinfectants that are effective against ringworm, most commonly diluted bleach, F10(ammonium quaternary compound) and 70% ethanol.
Medicated shampoo, which contains antifungal and antibacterial ingredients, will be prescribed for showering the patient. Depending on the severity of the infection and compliance of the patient, they will have to be showered 1 to 3 times a week. Showering more often with regular shampoo will also help to clear the infection.
A clean and dry environment is important for preventing a recurrence of ringworm. You should clean carpets and any thick and fluffy fabrics often if your pet tests positive. Sunlight is a simple way of killing ringworm, so regular sunning of clothes, beds, and your room will help. Keep the environment dry, and consider getting a dehumidifier if needed. Clean their toys and clothes thoroughly, and if not possible they may have to be discarded
You can also consider using probiotics and probiotic dermal sprays to populate the skin with good bacteria. They may help prevent the bad ones from populating rapidly and aid in recovery.
Ringworm infections can take a long time to clear and may even recur if pet owners are not compliant with treatment. Infected pets should be kept separate from other pets during this period. Treatment can last a minimum of 3-4 weeks, and will continue until 2 negative fungal cultures are obtained, usually 2-4 weeks apart.
Is there a way to prevent Ringworm infections?
Unfortunately there is no pharmaceutical preventative present to prevent such infections, keeping the environment clean and washing your pet’s bedding regularly with hot water could be helpful. Remember, fungal spores and bacteria are everywhere and we usually live with them without any problem. It is the overgrowth of the pathogenic ones that result in disease.
If you have come into contact with a suspected or confirmed carrier of ringworm, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, expose yourself to sunlight, and try to remove as much fur from your clothes as possible before interacting with your own pet.
How contagious is Ringworm to humans?
It is possible for ringworm to spread to humans, however humans are not the primary host of ringworm and is self-limiting. For healthy adult humans, catching ringworm should not be a serious concern, but there are some factors which should be considered:
- Are the family members especially old or young? The body’s immunity may not be as effective for young children or geriatrics
- Do you have any wounds/lesions? Ringworm spores are especially aggressive if they have penetrated the skin, keep extra caution if you have any small cuts or wounds on your hands or body, especially from eczema
- Are you immunocompromised, or taking immunosuppresants? Ringworm would find it easier to infect a human host if you have a chronic disease or steroidal medications.