Ringworm is a common infection of the skin and nails that is caused by fungus. If you observe this, contact your dogs veterinarian. Its important to remember that some cats can be asymptomatic carriers of this fungus and may shed ringworm spores into the environment even without obvious skin lesions. Your veterinarian may prescribe one of the following: Side-effects are possible when using antifungals and should be considered prior to starting therapy. Anyone can develop ringworm. These lesions usually show up around the ears and head, front legs, or back (though they may show up anywhere on the body). Ending treatment too soon can cause ringworm to return and make the infection harder to treat. How Rodenticides Work, https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/treatment.html, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/symptoms-causes/syc-20353780, https://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh2918e/5.html, https://www.medicinenet.com/ringworm/article.htm, How To Get Rid Of Wolf Spiders: Inside & Outside, How Long Do Spiders Live? Kaul S, et al. Look for over-the-counter antifungal creams such as Tinactin (tolnaftate topical) or Lotramin (clotrimazole). puncture or drain blisters. Outbreaks of ringworm are common in schools and child care centers where the infection easily spreads with close contact. Both cats and dogs can get ringworm, and then pass it on to humans who touch them. Infected animals shed spores into the environment, so disinfection of the areas where your cat spends time is as important as treating your actual cat. However, the good news is that there are no actual parasitic worms involved when it comes to a ringworm infection. Over-the-counter and prescription treatments can stop the fungus from spreading to other parts of your body or to others. In cats, about 98% of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis. Ringworm can closely resemble another condition called nummular eczema. Ringworm is a common contagious fungal infection that, unluckily, your lovely four-legged friends and you might be sharing. Mixing two or three oils together with a carrier oil may give you better results, but this is only anecdotal and not scientifically proven. As an amazon associate, we earn from qualified purchases. All rights reserved. Sometimes the two conditions look so much alike that the only way to tell the difference is to speak with your doctor. 1. Its important to note that even though these cats dont look sick, they are very contagious. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/risk-prevention.html. Do not use hand or body lotions unless instructed by your physician. Climate: Cats that live in warmer, more humid climates have a higher infection rate. A fungus causes ringworm, while a dysfunctional immune system causes psoriasis. These skin lesions may frequently ooze. In: Mind the Gap: A Handbook of Clinical Signs in Black and Brown Skin. In her free time, Misty enjoys chilling with her cats, playing piano, watching indie and foreign films, photographing abandoned places, and catching up on her never-ending TBR list. There is no scientific data to support their use over OTC antifungals. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Yes, you can get ringworm from dogs, cats and other animals like cows, goats or horses. The infection initially appears as discolored, often scaly patches on affected areas. Both ringworm and eczema cause itchy, red skin. The fungi that cause this infection are known as dermatophytessome dermatophytes only infect a single species, while others will infect several different species and spread from species to species. You can protect yourself by always washing your hands after playing with or petting animals. A disadvantage of this test is that not all ringworm lesions can be seen under the Woods light. Still, you should check with your healthcare provider before using over-the-counter antifungal creams or powders. [1] Multiple areas can be affected at a given time. Doctors treat nummular eczema in different ways from ringworm. Treatment is typically continued until two consecutive negative ringworm cultures are obtained, usually 2 to 4 weeks apart. So its nearly impossible to say with full certainty that a medication, whether topical or oral, will be safe to use. Ringworm may sometimes cause a more generalized condition where a larger area of the body is affected, often appearing as patchy hair loss. Changing your socks and underwear daily or more frequently if they become damp or soiled. Treating ringworm in dogs usually consists of three steps: Topical therapy Oral medications Environmental decontamination Topical Therapy for Ringworm Your veterinarian will probably recommend. Daily is best! Your doctor may recommend both medications and lifestyle adjustments to treat ringworm. The period of time between exposure to the fungus and the development of lesions is usually between 7 to 14 days, though with some cases, 3 to 4 weeks may pass before signs are noted. You should also wash anything your cat has come into contact with recently, whether thats toys, beds, clothing, or other items. Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the skin folds of the groin area or between the toes. Small isolated plaques can sometimes look similar to ringworm. dark, damp areas and can infect people or animals. Having unsanitary neighbors can be a nuisance, especially if their house is infested with roaches. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Accessed Aug. 8, 2019. Ask your provider about how you can keep ringworm from spreading to other parts of your body and to other people. [2] Typically it results in a red, itchy, scaly, circular rash. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading. Allmon A, et al. You get ringworm from contact with an infected person, animal or object. Cat Ringworm Healing Stages There are four stages to the cat ringworm healing process, which include: Stage 1: Quarantining Your Cat Confine your cat to one room to reduce the risk of infecting people and animals. But people with weak immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may find it difficult to get rid of the infection. They may scrape the area to look at the skin cells under a microscope, too. Otherwise, doctors can test skin scrapings for tinea fungus. Jock itch, known as tinea cruris, refers to ringworm infection of the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. Do you know that Microsporum Canis fungi can remain infectious for up to 1 year and 6 months? Some of the essentials oils people use to treat ringworm include: These oils can be potent, so you will need to dilute them with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, before applying the mixture to your skin. These cats, called asymptomatic carriers, may still infect other pets or humans. (16) Adam Gault / Digital Vision / Getty Images, MedicineNet.com: Ringworm Pictures Slideshow: A Collection of Photos. It may cause circular lesions on a cat's head, ears, and forelimbs as well as any other part of the body. Dermatophyte (tinea) infections. These could be medicated shampoos or a sulfur rinse that works to disinfect your cats coat. Discover ways to treat ringworm symptoms with home remedies. Individual cats may have different reactions, but if therapy is discontinued too soon, the infection may recur. Regardless of age, cats of all kinds (long-haired breeds than short-haired breeds) can be infected by ringworm. 5 /17. Wash the skin with warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. See additional information. These products may contain clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or other related ingredients. Still wash area with care and watch for any breaks in the skin or return of symptoms. Learn more about the differences between the two and how to treat them. information submitted for this request. This skin irritation often looks like a ring on your cat. Treatment of dermatophytosis in elderly, children, and pregnant women. The rings usually start small and then expand outward. What You Need to Know. Your vet will have several ways to determine if the infection is indeed ringworm. Ringworm of the beard, also called tinea barbae, affects your cheeks, chin, and upper neck and can cause bald patches. Steroid creams can make ringworm worse because they weaken the skin's defenses. All rights reserved. The patch has a ring-like or circular shape with a raised, scaly border. This includes topical antifungals. Whether its an upset stomach, a cut, or something more serious, neither you nor your pet are having a good time when its ill. And when you hear the word worm in regard to your cat, your mind likely comes up with a scenario thats not very pleasant. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, A scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms and legs, A clear or scaly area inside the ring, perhaps with a scattering of bumps whose color ranges from red on white skin to reddish, purplish, brown or gray on black and brown skin, Have close contact with an infected person or animal, Share clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection, Participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling. Psoriasis lesions also dont typically have a clearing in the middle. Should I avoid any medications or treatments? For starters, your pet may need to be quarantined for some time while treatment occurs. (15) Brayden Knell / WebMD Tinea manuum is a common companion of tinea pedis (ringworm of the feet). This same fungus is left as spores in the environment which is why environmental disinfection is so important. Microsporum Canis a species of dermatophyte, Onychomycosis which causes circular lesions, My Cat Is Losing Weight But Eats Constantly: Comprehensives Analyses, Cat Panting After Playing: Is It A Sign Of Trouble, Cat Losing Hair At Base Of Tail: In-Depth Analyses, Cat Hair Loss Around Eyes: A Guide For Pet Owners, Can You Feed A Cat Dog Food In An Emergency: Thorough Breakdowns From Feline Experts, Why Does My Cat Have Scabs: Analyses From Feline Experts, My Cat Is Scared Of Something I Can't See: Analyses, Cat Subcutaneous Fluids Leaking: What Needs To Be Done Here, My Cat Is Peeing Blood: Comprehensive Analyses From Feline Experts, My Cat Has Bad Breath: Potential Causes And Proper Solution. Ringworm often causes a ring-shaped rash that is itchy, scaly and slightly raised. It's a fungal infection that often forms a ring-shaped rash. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Fungus thrives in Washing clothes, athletic gear, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent. Last medically reviewed on February 17, 2022. No worm is involved. The most common way to treat ringworm in dogs is to use a combination of topical therapy (application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic therapy (administration of anti-fungal drugs by mouth). Support for use of these remedies is mostly anecdotal. Once treated, only the original fungus remains and can be removed with other treatment options. Depending on the type of fungus, it may sometimes fluoresce (glow) under black light. Washing hands thoroughly after contact with animals. While ringworm is present on your skin, youre still contagious to others. (2016). You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on The first-choice medication is usually griseofulvin (Gris-Peg). An advantage to this test is that asymptomatic carrier cats can be diagnosed. Your cats nails may become rough and have a scaly base. Several nonprescription (over-the-counter) and prescription antifungal medications are available to treat ringworm. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Ringworm is a very common type of skin disorder and most of the people suffer from this disease. Apple cider vinegar may cause open sores or inflammation. shironosov/iStock via Getty Images Ringworm is a skin infection that can affect your cat and spread to other pets and humans. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Skin lesions as well as other symptoms of ringworm start showing up in your hairy friends about seven to fourteen days after the initial contact with the fungal infection. 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. Ringworm (tinea corporis) is a common fungal infection that causes a classic ring-shaped rash on the skin. The What Kills It Team is a skilled, research-loving group of micro-biology nerds! Lifestyle: Free-roaming or outdoor animals are more likely to encounter fungal spores from the environment. There is no scientific data, only anecdotal evidence, to support the routine use of essential oils in treating antifungal infections like ringworm. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. We break down what causes it and how to treat it. Treating pets for ringworm, if theyre infected. What steps can I take to prevent ringworm from spreading to other people? itching and redness. Antifungals come in various forms like creams, gels or powders. (14) Copyright 2007 Interactive Medical Media LLC Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, gels or powders typically work well. This condition may spread in schools. Unaffected family members may benefit from using the shampoo as well. Hair loss or bald spots in the affected area. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Symptoms may include: Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a ringworm infection of the nails. What You Need to Know! Itchiness or, in rare instances, large oozing boils on the skin may also be present. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Skin with ringworm infection You might be surprised to learn that a fungus and not a worm causes ringworm. Pay particular attention to Its never enjoyable when something is wrong with your cat. [1] Hair loss may occur in the area affected. Avoiding sharing towels, washcloths, sheets, clothes, combs or other personal hygiene items. In some cases, ringworm infections in cats can be caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Here are some ways to tell where you are in the healing process: The first symptoms of ringworm that will diminish during treatment are the (with Pictures), patches that resemble a ring with deeper color on the outside, patches with edges that are defined and raised, an itching, stinging, or burning sensation, live in a warm, humid environment or climate, participate in contact sports, like wrestling or football, wear tight shoes or clothes that chafe your skin, washing bedding and clothing daily to help disinfect your surroundings, drying your skin thoroughly after bathing, treating all affected areas, as not treating tinea pedis can lead to the recurrence of tinea cruris, hairless patches of skin that appear circular, patches that may not be completely hairless but have brittle or broken hairs, dark marks left on your skin, particularly on darker skin, secondary infection if any bacteria entered broken skin, which is common in children, Majocchis granuloma, a rare infection where the fungus has made its way to deeper layers of the skin, washing your hands after interacting with an animal, disinfecting and cleaning pet living areas, limiting contact with people or animals with ringworm if you have a weakened immune system, wearing shoes if showering or walking in community areas, not sharing personal items like clothing, towels, or hairbrushes with people who might have ringworm, changing your socks and underwear at least once a day, keeping your gear and uniform clean if you play sports. Featured Image Credit: Yaya photos, Shutterstock. Two to four weeks is a long time for a ringworm infection to heal. You can get this infection anytime your skin comes into contact with the ringworm fungus on someone elses skin. Male/Female + World Record. Antifungal ointments wont help nummular eczema. It may also occur on the scalp when hair is regularly sweat-laden and hot, such as under a hard hat. You should also wash your hands frequently after petting your dog to reduce the risk of infection whenever possible. Steroid creams can be helpful for some skin problems and can even temporarily reduce ringworm symptoms like itching and redness. Although the fungus is dead and no longer harmful, the DNA is still present so the test will remain positive. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). other information we have about you. This content does not have an Arabic version. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin. Ringworm gets its name because of its appearance. Infections can range from mild to severe. These require different treatments, so it's important to consult a medical professional. Affected nails may become thicker or discolored. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Alcohols or antiseptics can damage the healing skin so follow Drs orders only.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'whatkillsit_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-whatkillsit_com-leader-1-0'); The oozing condition will diminish over time as the infecting fungus is killed off and healthy skin replaces it.
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