The infection initially appears as discolored, often scaly patches on affected areas. 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. Call your healthcare provider if the ringworm infection: Youre sure to have questions if you or your child develop ringworm. Ringworm infection may resolve on its own in about three or four monthsbut thats a long time for contamination to spread in your home. Sharing objects with an infected person or animal such as a brush, towel or bedding. 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). 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 conditions have different underlying causes as well. More serious cases, and infections . Ringworm risk and prevention. But how to tell if ringworm is healing in cats? But people with weak immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may find it difficult to get rid of the infection. (5) Copyright 2007 Interactive Medical Media LLC Take these steps to reduce your risk of ringworm: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. If you return items, the site may lose earnings. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. All rights reserved. (2018). Disinfecting surfaces with bleach or sprays like Lysol. On the face, ringworm is rarely ring-shaped. Davis EC, et al. Follow your healthcare providers treatment plan until the infection clears completely. You may need prescription medication. What steps can I take to keep from getting ringworm again? Calendula can be used as Calendula ointment Tincture of calendula Steeped and cooled calendula tea bag. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from flowers, herbs, and other plant types. Wear protective gloves while treating another infected person or animal. [1] Multiple areas can be affected at a given time. Unlike ringworm, eczema isnt contagious and doesnt spread from one area to another on your body. For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks. Ending treatment too soon can cause ringworm to return and make the infection harder to treat. Some people experience fatigue or swollen lymph nodes. These creams weaken your skins defenses. Avoiding sharing towels, washcloths, sheets, clothes, combs or other personal hygiene items. Find out how to identify ringworm and psoriasis. Doctors call ringworm different names depending on where it appears on the body. One species of dermatophyte, Microsporum canis, is responsible for almost all ringworm infections in cats. Ringworm Healing Process in Cats (Explained) - Senior Cat Wellness It can make fingernails look white, thick, opaque, and brittle, but more often toenails look yellow, thick, and brittle. If the infection spreads, you may see ring-shaped patches on the back of your hand. Follow your doctors instructions. Depending on the type of fungus, it may sometimes fluoresce (glow) under black light. Ringworm (scalp) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. It's most common in men and adolescent boys. Ringworm thrives in damp, warm areas. Pictures of Skin Problems in Cats - WebMD If your cat loses a patch of hair, look closely for a thick or scaly rash or lesion on the skin. Please also note: if you have pets, your home is even more susceptible to the never ending cycle of ringworm and the passing of ringworm back and forth until the fungus is removed from your home. Ringworm is usually specifically used to describe tinea corporis (ringworm of the body) or tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp). Dry yourself completely after showering. You feel normal again, but are you cured? Learn more about the differences between the two and how to treat them. Avoid areas where fungal infections are common. . (2) Copyright ISM / Phototake -- All rights reserved. Like ringworm in dogs, if you spot ringworm in cats, call your veterinarian. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Kittens and long-haired cats are more likely to get this infection, named for the circle-shaped sores it forms on the skin. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Ringworm is an infection of skin, hair, or claws caused by a type of fungus known as a dermatophyte. There is no scientific data to support their use over OTC antifungals. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Sometimes the two conditions look so much alike that the only way to tell the difference is to speak with your doctor. Ringworm: Symptoms, Pictures, Treatment, Diagnosis & More We avoid using tertiary references. Infections can range from mild to severe. And the only thing it has to do with rings is the circular area of itchy rash that typicallybut not necessarilywill appear on the . (8) Copyright 2007 Interactive Medical Media LLC You can contract ringworm by touching an animal with ringworm. Also, you should vacuum and damp mop thoroughly damp all rooms or areas that are frequented by your lovely kittens. itching and redness. Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection otherwise known as tinea. So, it often looks like a ring that becomes gradually larger - hence the name ringworm. To completely eradicate the fungal infection, your vets will plan a treatment lasting for several weeks or several months. that causes ringworm thrives in damp, dark places. As youre about to see in the upcoming ringworm healing chart, a typical ringworm infection, even with treatment takes 2-4 weeks to be fully eradicated. Ringworm may involve the hands, particularly the palms and the spaces between the fingers. Some of the stages you may see include: Because ringworm is so contagious, youll want to start treatment at the first signs of it. Despite the name, ringworm is not a worm infection. To prevent recurrence during the recovery period, make sure to keep your cat environment, your house, and furniture clean at its best! Ringworm of the scalp or nails may require prescription-strength oral medications, such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) or terbinafine. Keep the affected area clean and dry. Because it checks only for fungal DNA and not for living fungus, a disadvantage is that its not helpful once treatment has started. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2010. For moreCat's Health Guides, please visit Cattybox! (2014). If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication available either over the counter or as a prescription. How to Get Rid of Ringworm: 7 Treatments the anti-fungal even though you may be feeling better.. Fungus thrives in Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread multiple ways. Fungi also grows in skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes. The fungus, which feeds on dead cells, is not actually a wormthe name originated from the classic round red target-shaped lesion surrounded by a scaly ring mostly seen in humans with ringworm. Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels or powders typically work well. (7) Copyright ISM / Phototake -- All rights reserved. Ringworm (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) | Patient If you see that your pet has skin lesions with a red ring around them, consult with your vet to first make sure it actually is ringworm. It affects toenails more than fingernails, as footwear often provides a moist, warm environment that fungi prefer.