“Ringworm transmission?”
One of my kitties was diagnosed with ringworm, and I am tending to the things I need to do at home. I am not symptomatic. My questions pertain to the potential transmission of ringworm to others with whom I come in contact. Am I likely to transmit this to another person? Should I cancel appointments and social engagements? Are people who visit my home at risk of contracting ringworm until I get this under control? A speedy reply would be helpful.
2 Answers
Ringworm is not a worm but is a superficial fungal infection. It is spread by direct contact or fomites (materials likely to carry infection, such as clothes).
To prevent ringworm:
-Do not share clothing or towels with other people.
-When at the gym, local pool, or other public areas (including the shower), always wear slippers or sandals.
-Wash thoroughly with soap and shampoo after any sport involving skin-to-skin contact.
-Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.
-Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself completely after bathing.
-Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair or a rash. That could be a sign of tinea infection.
-If you or someone in your family has symptoms of ringworm, make sure s/he is treated right away. Otherwise, the infection may spread.
-If you have ringworm, make sure you use the treatment for the length of time suggested. It is important to complete the full treatment course.
-If you and your cat start treatment as indicated, you properly clean and disinfect your home and you and your guests employ common sense hygiene then you can safely entertain.
To prevent ringworm:
-Do not share clothing or towels with other people.
-When at the gym, local pool, or other public areas (including the shower), always wear slippers or sandals.
-Wash thoroughly with soap and shampoo after any sport involving skin-to-skin contact.
-Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.
-Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself completely after bathing.
-Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair or a rash. That could be a sign of tinea infection.
-If you or someone in your family has symptoms of ringworm, make sure s/he is treated right away. Otherwise, the infection may spread.
-If you have ringworm, make sure you use the treatment for the length of time suggested. It is important to complete the full treatment course.
-If you and your cat start treatment as indicated, you properly clean and disinfect your home and you and your guests employ common sense hygiene then you can safely entertain.
You are unlikely to spread ringworm to another person and you do not need to cancel social engagements. With precautions - wearing gloves when handling the infected cat and was well afterward. The fungus does cause infection through intact skin so as long as you have no open sores or scratches your risk is essentially zero. Just tell any visitors not to touch or handle your cat.
You mentioned kitties- so you have more than one? If so discuss it with your vet.
You mentioned kitties- so you have more than one? If so discuss it with your vet.
