Ringworm is a fungal affliction of the skin that can be suffered by animals and humans, and is seen in various different varieties. It is started by spores released from the fungus, and is unpleasant and contagious. The fungus itself is present in a number of similar infections, athlete’s foot among them, and it is not imperative for one to one contact to spread the disease.

Ringworm can be present on any parts of the body and shows itself in different ways. If it grows on a person’s scalp it will begin as a small pimple or spot, this enlarging notably and causing scaly skin patches and temporary loss of hair. When it affects the body is will be as a flat and round mark that itches and irritates, and on the foot the signs are scaling and cracking of the skin, particularly between the toes, and with excessive itching. Ringworm can also attack the nails, where it forces them to thicken and discolor, and often become brittle, and is particularly virulent in the groin where it manifests as a very irritating itch. Any discolouring or darkening in the form of the skin can be an indication of ringworm, and it will become more notable between four and ten days of being touched by the spore.

As we have seen the condition is not difficult to contract and very contagious, and can spread fast if allowed to do so. There are plenty of things we can do to reduce the possibility of contracting ringworm, particularly in instances where one person, or animal, is suffering already. The initial step to take is to keep any contact with the patient to the minimum, and if an individual is the carrier, that he or she should reduce frequent contact with others until the condition has been successfully treated. Furthermore, it is of great importance that any prescribed treatments are properly administered, as courses of treatment are meant to be effective over a set time; believing the ringworm has disappeared and stopping before that time can allow it to return. Indeed, it is essential that a sufferer is given the appropriate treatment, as leaving ringworm to simply go away increases the period over which it can be spread among others. Excellent advice is that one should never share personal items that may carry the fungus; hair brushes and combs, towels and flannels, or items of clothing and hats should not be given to others, in particular if there is a known sufferer already. As we know the fungus enjoys living in damp conditions it is essential that a floor and bath cleaner involving a fungus killing agent is used, and thoroughly, and it is also imperative that one keeps shoes clean and treats all footwear regularly with disinfectant sprays. If a pet with ringworm is the culprit then have it treated and keep contact infrequent, in particular cats who are the most probable to spread the fungus.

Ringworm is contagious and, as a result, easy to catch, and will likely be carried in many ways. By coming into contact with a person who is already infected one can easily be infected, and also, by touching animals that carry the fungus. Ringworm is virulent in cats and dogs, and also in wild animals, and young cats in particular transmit the fungus by rubbing against other cats and humans. Ringworm is very likely to be spread via the floors of showers – particularly public venues used by a great deal of people – as the fungus excels in damp areas, and it is known this is the most common method of contracting the condition, plus it is also possible to become infected by using implements that have been used by an already infected person, more specifically such as hats and combs, brushes and bed coverings, telephones, shower implements and many other items.

There are a lot of courses of treatment that have been developed for ringworm, and these range from creams and lotions to sprays and washes. The essential treatments for ringworm, as we have seen, concern attention to detail and prevention of the encouragement of the fungus. It is imperative that everyday cleaning of bathroom surfaces and shower cubicles is carefully done, and that towels and other bathing implements are washed regularly and replaced with fresh items on a frequent basis. Ringworm will spread if left without proper treatment, and remember that it is not imperative to touch an affected animal or person to become infected. Adhere to the above hints and tips and ringworm will be easy to keep at bay.