What Causes Ringworm in Humans?
If you have ever had ringworm (tinea), then you know how uncomfortable it can be. The itching, the embarrassing red rings; you just want the infection to go away and never come back. Ringworm is highly contagious, so even if you do cure the infection you need to understand what causes ringworm in humans to avoid contracting it again.
Transmission Between Humans
Like many communicable diseases, ringworm can be passed between humans through skin-to-skin contact. The fungus that causes the infection lives on the cells of the epidermis. Touching the infected area usually results in transmission of the fungus, and a person can expect to develop the characteristic symptoms of ringworm shortly afterwards.
Transmission from Object to Human
Although ringworm prefers to live in moist dark areas on the body, it can survive for a short period of time on surfaces like combs, bedding, and clothing. Touching these items after an infected person has come into contact with them can result in an infection. Ringworm also thrives in places like shower floors and swimming pools. So you can also incur the infection by walking on floors or swimming in water where the fungus is active.
Animal to Human Contact
Animals can get ringworm too, and it is one of the few diseases that transfer easily from animals to humans. Cats are the most common household animals that infect people with ringworm. However, other animals like dogs and sheep can also pass the infection to their human handlers.
Infected Soil
On the rare occasion, a person can get ringworm from infected soil like sand or dirt. Unlike other forms of transmission, however, the infection can only pass with prolonged contact with the offending soil. The most common body parts infected this way are the feet.
Preventing Ringworm
Ringworm is highly infectious, but there are things you can do to avoid getting it:
- Do not share personal items like clothing, brushes, or towels, especially with people you don’t know. If infection is suspected, wash all items affected in hot water using a fungicidal soap.
- Ringworm thrives in warm damp places on the body, so you will want to stay as dry and cool as possible. Avoid sweating excessively and thoroughly dry yourself after taking a shower or swimming.
- Always practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, and use a disinfectant to clean living spaces. Wear shoes when using public showers or walking outdoors.
- Avoid animals that have the infection. Typically, the animal will be missing patches of fur, but this is not always the case. Have domestic pets checked regularly for ringworm.
Treatment Options:
There are prescription treatments available but they come with the risk of side effects. Lately natural treatments are getting very popular. We reviewed and researched popular products and found only a few that effectively get rid of ringworm fast without unpleasant side effects.