Ringworm Fact Sheet – AccessKent - Kent County, Michigan

General Public Fact SheetKent County Health DepartmentRingworm Fact SheetWhat is ringworm?Ringworm is a common skin disorder. It iscaused by a fungus. It can affect skin onyour body, scalp, groin area (jock itch), orfeet (athlete’s foot). Often several patchesof ringworm are on your skin at once.How do you get ringworm?Ringworm can be passed from person toperson by direct skin-to-skin contact. It canalso be passed by having contact with itemsor surfaces such as combs, bed linens,stuffed animals, and shower and poolsurfaces, an infected person has touched.You can also catch ringworm from pets thatcarry the fungus. Cats are commoncarriers.The fungi that cause ringworm thrive inwarm, moist areas. Ringworm is morelikely when you have frequent wetness(such as from sweating) and minor injuriesto your skin, scalp, or nails.What are the symptoms ofringworm?The symptoms of ringworm include:• Itchy, red, raised, scaly patches thatmay blister and ooze when the bodyis infected. The patches often havesharply-defined edges. They areoften redder around the outside withnormal skin tone in the center. Thismay create the appearance of a ring.The skin may also appear unusuallydark or light.• Scaly patches of temporary baldnesswhen the scalp is infected.• Scaling or cracking of the skinespecially between the toes when thefeet are infected.• Discolored, thick and brittle nailswhen the nails are infected.How soon do symptoms occur?Scalp ringworm usually appears 10 to 14days after contact. Ringworm of the skinusually appears 4 to 10 days after contact.The time between exposure and symptomsis not known for the other types ofringworm.The Health Department does notdiagnosis ringworm.How is ringworm treated?Ringworm usually responds well to selfcarewithin four weeks without having tosee a doctor.• Keep your skin clean and dry.• Apply over the counter antifungal ordrying powders, lotions, or creams.• Wash sheets and nightclothes everyday while infected.A severe or persistent infection may needtreatment by a doctor. Antifungal pills maybe given and are necessary if your hair isinfected.Infected pets should also be treated.How can ringworm beprevented?Ringworm is hard to prevent. The fungus isvery common. It is contagious even beforesymptoms begin. To prevent ringworm:

Ringworm Fact Sheet – page 2• Keep your skin and feet clean anddry.• Shampoo regularly, especially afterhaircuts.• Do not share clothing, towels,combs, hairbrushes, hats, or otherpersonal items.• Wear sandals or shoes at gyms,lockers and pools.• Avoid touching pets with bald spots.• Educate the public, especiallyparents, about the risk of ringwormfrom infected people and pets.• Keep common-use areas clean,especially in schools, daycarecenters, and locker rooms.Do I need to keep my childhome from school?Children should be kept home from schooluntil treatment has been started.This fact sheet is for information only and isnot meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as asubstitute for talking with a health careprovider. If you have any questions aboutringworm or think you may have it, call yourhealth care provider.©2004 Kent County Health Department700 Fuller Ave NEGrand Rapids, Michigan 49503616/632-7100www.accesskent.com