Covering skin areas that are infected with ringworm does not guarantee that a person is not contagious. Theoretically, direct skin-to-skin contact in water or a swimming pool or hot tub may spread the infection but is far less likely to do so than direct skin-to-skin contact elsewhere.
Myth 5: Ringworm isn't contagious
In fact, the opposite is true. Ringworm spreads easily from person to person, especially in communal areas like locker rooms and neighborhood pools. Ringworm is so contagious, in fact, that you don't even have to touch someone to get infected.
How does it spread? Ringworm spreads through direct contact with infected skin or fungal spores. The spores can live on fabrics, including clothing, couch cushions, bedding, and other porous surfaces. They also thrive in damp environments, such as public showers and locker rooms.
The infection can spread via skin-to-skin contact, clothing, or surfaces where the fungus lives, such as in showers or locker rooms.
Generally speaking, moisture always aggravates any infection. But, you can still take a bath by using antifungal soaps when you have a ringworm infection. It is essential to dry your skin properly after a bath.
The spores of this fungus can be killed with common disinfectants like diluted chlorine bleach (1/4 c per gallon water), benzalkonium chloride, or strong detergents. Never mix cleaning products.
After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm does not spread to others at all.
Ringworm stops being contagious after 48 hours of antifungal treatment. Treatment options include topical creams or oral medication. Without treatment, people are contagious until the ringworm rash goes away. This can take up to 3 weeks.
The ringworm fungus can live on surfaces for months. Disinfectant sprays like Lysol® or bleach can remove the fungus. Wash clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and detergent to prevent ringworm from spreading.
The spores are microscopic and can be spread easily by air currents and contaminated dust, and through heating ducts and vents.”
Ringworm occurs when a type of fungus grows and multiplies on your skin. Ringworm can spread from one person to another. You can catch ringworm if you touch someone who has the infection, or if you come in contact with items contaminated by the fungus, such as combs, unwashed clothing, and shower or pool surfaces.
Miconazole (an antifungal) and chlorhexidine (a disinfectant) synergize each other when combatting ringworm. They are available as a combination rinse as well as shampoo.
mechanical removal of all hair and debris via vacuuming, sweeping (Swiffers recommended over brooms) and mechanical washing of the surfaces with detergent and water. It is important to thoroughly rinse surfaces as some detergent residue can inactivate disinfecting agents.
Fortunately, fungal infections as a result of freshwater exposure or trauma are rare. The most common entities appear to be fungal keratitis, otitis externa and tinea pedis. Well-documented reports describe deep fungal infections resulting from freshwater exposures following natural disasters or near-drowning episodes.
The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding. Ringworm goes by many names. The medical terms are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.”
Should children or others be excluded from day care, school, work or other activities if they have ringworm? No. However, they should be excluded from certain activities that are likely to expose others to the fungus, such as using communal swimming pools or showers, sharing towels, sharing gym equipment or wrestling.
People can get ringworm after contact with someone who has the infection. To avoid spreading the infection, people with ringworm shouldn't share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people.
Does infection with ringworm make a person immune? Since so many species of fungus can cause ringworm, infection with one species will not make a person immune to future infections.
Antifungal medications are your best bet to cure ringworm fast. Antifungal medications are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription and come in cream, ointment and pill form.
Take a shower or bath every day (especially after playing sports and sweating) and dry off completely. Wear clean clothing. Change your clothes every day. Use clean towels and don't share towels or clothes.
Wash the rash with soap and water, remove flaky skin, and dry thoroughly. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Spread the cream beyond the edge or border of the rash.