Is the ringworm a serious or contagious infection?
Is the ringworm a serious or contagious infection?
These fungal infections, medically known as “tinea”, are not serious and are usually easily treated. However, they are contagious and easily spread. There are different types of tinea fungal infection, based on the affected area of the body:
How is ringworm spread from person to person?
Ringworm is a fungus, which means it is spread through spores. People and dogs pick up these spores through direct contact with an infected animal or person, or by indirect contact with a spore left in the environment.
Can a person get ringworm from a pet?
A person who contracts ringworm from a pet cannot pass it on to another human. In this case, the fungus can only pass from animal to human. While anyone can get ringworm, certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the infection. These include: participating in contact sports, such as wrestling or football
Do you have to touch someone to get ringworm?
Ringworm is so contagious, in fact, that you don’t even have to touch someone to get infected. The fungus can linger in places like locker room floors, as well as on hats, combs, and brushes.
Can a ringworm kill you?
Ringworm cannot kill you but if left unchecked it can lead to other infections that can lead to death.
How long is ringworm contagious if treated vs. untreated?
Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.
Can ringworm be contagious while being treated?
Ringworm (tinea corporis) is an infection of the skin caused by tiny fungus spores that reproduce in the dead outer layers of your skin. It’s contagious as long as any spores are alive. This means it can spread on contact to other parts of your body, or to other people, even when you’re being treated.
How dangerous is ringworm in humans?
Ringworm is normally not a dangerous infection and is easily treated at home. However, if left untreated, it can spread and cause a myriad of potential health issues.