What are the main causes of ringworm on the face. How can you recognize the symptoms of facial ringworm. What are the most effective prevention methods for ringworm infections. How does ringworm spread from person to person or from animals to humans. What treatments are available for facial ringworm infections.

Understanding Ringworm: A Common Fungal Infection

Ringworm, despite its name, is not caused by any worm but by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive on the outer layers of skin, hair, and nails, causing a characteristic ring-shaped rash. Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, including the face, scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), and groin area (jock itch).

Do certain individuals have a higher risk of contracting ringworm? Yes, several factors can increase one’s susceptibility to ringworm infections:

• Weakened immune system
• Frequent use of public showers or locker rooms
• Participation in contact sports, especially wrestling
• Wearing tight shoes and excessive sweating
• Close contact with animals
• Living in warm, humid climates
• Poor hygiene practices
• Malnutrition

Causes of Facial Ringworm: Unmasking the Culprits

Facial ringworm can be caused by various factors, often related to direct contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated objects. Here are some common causes:

• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
• Petting or handling infected animals, particularly cats and dogs
• Sharing personal items like towels, combs, or hats with an infected individual
• Using contaminated public facilities such as swimming pools or gym equipment
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face

Can ringworm spread from other parts of the body to the face? Indeed, it can. If you have ringworm on another part of your body and touch that area before touching your face, you can transfer the infection.

Recognizing Facial Ringworm: Key Symptoms and Signs

Identifying ringworm on the face is crucial for early treatment and prevention of spread. The most common symptoms include:

• A red, scaly, circular rash with raised edges
• Itching or burning sensation in the affected area
• Skin that appears cracked, dry, or peeling
• Hair loss in the affected area if the scalp or beard is involved
• In some cases, small blisters or pus-filled bumps

How long does it take for symptoms to appear after exposure? The incubation period for ringworm can vary, but symptoms typically appear within 4 to 14 days after contact with the fungus.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Ringworm at Bay

Preventing ringworm involves a combination of good hygiene practices and awareness of potential sources of infection. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

1. Maintain good personal hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and keep your skin clean and dry.
2. Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share clothing, towels, combs, or other personal items with others.
3. Wear appropriate footwear: Use shower shoes in public locker rooms and around swimming pools.
4. Keep your feet dry: Change socks regularly, especially if your feet tend to sweat excessively.
5. Practice caution with pets: If you suspect your pet has ringworm, take them to a veterinarian and follow proper hygiene measures.
6. Stay vigilant in public spaces: Be cautious when using shared facilities like gyms or public showers.
7. Boost your immune system: Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support your body’s natural defenses.

Is it possible to completely prevent ringworm? While it’s challenging to eliminate all risk, following these prevention strategies can significantly reduce your chances of contracting or spreading the infection.

Ringworm Transmission: From Animals to Humans

Zoonotic transmission of ringworm is a significant concern, especially for pet owners. Animals, particularly cats and dogs, can be carriers of the fungi that cause ringworm. Here’s what you need to know about preventing transmission from pets:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling pets, especially if they show signs of skin problems.
• Regularly groom and inspect your pets for any signs of skin issues.
• If you suspect your pet has ringworm, isolate them and consult a veterinarian immediately.
• Vacuum and disinfect areas where infected pets spend time, including bedding and furniture.
• Wear gloves when handling animals suspected of having ringworm.

Can all types of animals transmit ringworm to humans? While cats and dogs are common sources, many other animals, including cows, goats, pigs, and rodents, can also transmit ringworm to humans.

Treatment Options for Facial Ringworm

Treating ringworm on the face typically involves antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and extent of the infection:

Over-the-Counter Treatments:

• Antifungal creams, ointments, or lotions containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine
• Antifungal powders for areas prone to moisture

Prescription Treatments:

• Stronger topical antifungals like ketoconazole or ciclopirox
• Oral antifungal medications for severe or persistent cases

How long does it take for ringworm treatment to be effective? Most cases of ringworm respond to treatment within 2-4 weeks, but it’s essential to continue treatment as directed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.

Ringworm in Special Populations: Children and Athletes

Certain groups, such as children and athletes, may be at higher risk for ringworm infections due to their activities and environments. Here are some specific considerations for these groups:

Children:

• Educate children about the importance of not sharing personal items
• Encourage good hygiene practices, especially hand washing
• Monitor for any signs of skin rashes, particularly after contact with pets or other children
• Ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of shared spaces in schools and daycare centers

Athletes:

• Shower immediately after practices or competitions
• Keep sports equipment and uniforms clean
• Avoid sharing gear, especially helmets and other items that come into direct contact with the skin
• Use antifungal powders or sprays in shoes and on equipment as a preventive measure

Are there any specific guidelines for managing ringworm outbreaks in schools or sports teams? Yes, many organizations have protocols for managing outbreaks, which may include temporary exclusion from activities, thorough cleaning of facilities, and education on prevention measures.

Living with Ringworm: Managing the Infection and Preventing Spread

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with ringworm, it’s crucial to take steps to manage the infection and prevent its spread to others. Here are some important guidelines:

1. Follow treatment instructions carefully, completing the full course of medication even if symptoms improve.
2. Keep the infected area clean and dry.
3. Avoid scratching the affected area to prevent further spread and potential secondary bacterial infections.
4. Wash bedding, clothing, and towels used by the infected person in hot water daily.
5. Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with others until the infection clears.
6. Cover the infected area with clothing or bandages if participating in activities where skin contact is likely.
7. Monitor other family members or close contacts for signs of infection.

Can ringworm recur after successful treatment? Yes, ringworm can recur, especially if the initial treatment was not completed or if you’re re-exposed to the fungus. Maintaining good hygiene practices and following prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Debunking Myths: Common Misconceptions About Ringworm

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding ringworm that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful practices. Let’s address some of these:

Myth 1: Ringworm is caused by worms

Reality: Ringworm is a fungal infection, not a parasitic worm infection.

Myth 2: Ringworm only affects dirty people

Reality: While good hygiene helps prevent ringworm, anyone can contract the infection regardless of cleanliness.

Myth 3: You can’t get ringworm from animals

Reality: Many animals can transmit ringworm to humans, especially cats and dogs.

Myth 4: Natural remedies like vinegar or tea tree oil can cure ringworm

Reality: While some natural remedies may have antifungal properties, they are not proven to be as effective as standard antifungal treatments and should not be relied upon as the sole treatment for ringworm.

Why is it important to dispel these myths about ringworm? Addressing misconceptions helps ensure that people seek appropriate treatment and take effective prevention measures, reducing the spread of the infection and improving outcomes for those affected.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Facial Ringworm

While many cases of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medications, there are situations where professional medical attention is necessary. Consider seeking medical help if:

• The rash doesn’t improve after two weeks of self-treatment
• The infection appears to be spreading or worsening
• You develop a fever or other signs of a secondary bacterial infection
• The rash is on your scalp or beard area (these areas often require oral medications)
• You have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or cancer treatments
• Multiple family members or close contacts develop similar symptoms

What should you expect during a medical consultation for ringworm? A healthcare provider will typically examine the affected area, possibly take a skin scraping for laboratory analysis, and prescribe appropriate treatment based on the severity and location of the infection.

The Impact of Climate and Environment on Ringworm Prevalence

Environmental factors play a significant role in the prevalence and spread of ringworm infections. Understanding these factors can help in developing more effective prevention strategies:

Climate Influence:

• Warm, humid environments favor fungal growth and survival
• Tropical and subtropical regions tend to have higher rates of ringworm infections
• Seasonal variations can affect infection rates, with more cases often reported during warmer months

Environmental Factors:

• Crowded living conditions can increase the risk of person-to-person transmission
• Poor sanitation and limited access to clean water can contribute to higher infection rates
• Occupational exposure, such as working with animals or in healthcare settings, can increase risk

How can understanding these environmental factors help in ringworm prevention? By recognizing the conditions that favor fungal growth and transmission, individuals and communities can take targeted measures to reduce risk, such as improving ventilation in shared spaces, implementing stricter hygiene protocols in high-risk environments, and adapting prevention strategies to local climate conditions.

Ringworm and Public Health: Community Prevention Strategies

Ringworm is not just an individual health concern but also a public health issue, particularly in settings where close contact between people is common. Implementing community-wide prevention strategies can significantly reduce the incidence of ringworm infections:

Educational Initiatives:

• Provide information about ringworm prevention in schools, sports clubs, and community centers
• Conduct workshops on proper hygiene practices and the importance of early detection
• Distribute educational materials on recognizing and managing ringworm infections

Public Facility Management:

• Implement regular cleaning and disinfection protocols in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools
• Ensure proper ventilation in shared spaces to reduce humidity
• Provide hand sanitizing stations and encourage their use

Policy Implementation:

• Develop clear guidelines for managing ringworm cases in schools and daycare centers
• Establish protocols for athletes and sports teams to prevent and manage infections
• Implement health screening procedures for employees in high-risk occupations

Can community-wide efforts significantly reduce ringworm prevalence? Yes, coordinated public health initiatives that combine education, improved facility management, and policy implementation have been shown to effectively reduce the incidence of ringworm and other fungal skin infections in various community settings.

Future Perspectives: Advancements in Ringworm Treatment and Prevention

As medical research continues to advance, new approaches to treating and preventing ringworm are being explored. These developments offer hope for more effective management of this common fungal infection:

Emerging Treatments:

• Novel antifungal compounds with improved efficacy and fewer side effects
• Nanotechnology-based delivery systems for enhanced penetration of antifungal agents
• Combination therapies that target multiple aspects of fungal growth and survival

Preventive Strategies:

• Development of antifungal vaccines to prevent infection
• Advanced materials for clothing and equipment that inhibit fungal growth
• Improved diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate identification of fungal species

Environmental Control:

• Innovative disinfection technologies for public spaces
• Smart monitoring systems to detect and control environmental conditions favorable to fungal growth

What potential impact could these advancements have on ringworm management? These developments could lead to faster, more effective treatments, reduced transmission rates, and improved quality of life for those at risk of ringworm infections. However, it’s important to note that many of these advancements are still in the research phase and may take time to become widely available.

As we continue to expand our understanding of ringworm and develop new strategies for its prevention and treatment, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in practicing good hygiene and following established prevention guidelines. By combining current best practices with emerging technologies and treatments, we can work towards a future where ringworm infections are less common and more easily managed.

Ringworm Risk & Prevention | Ringworm | Types of Diseases | Fungal Diseases

Who gets ringworm?

Ringworm is very common. Anyone can get ringworm, but people who have weakened immune systems may be especially at risk for infection and may have problems fighting off a ringworm infection.¹ People who use public showers or locker rooms, athletes (particularly those who are involved in contact sports such as wrestling),^2–4 people who wear tight shoes and have excessive sweating, and people who have close contact with animals may also be more likely to come in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.

Ringworm poster: Protect Yourself From Itchy Rashes [PDF – 1.99 MB]

How can I prevent ringworm?

• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around your feet.
• Don’t walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers.
• Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean.
• Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.
• Don’t share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm.
• Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with pets. If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, take it to see a veterinarian. If your pet has ringworm, follow the steps below to prevent spreading the infection.
• If you’re an athlete involved in close contact sports, shower immediately after your practice session or match, and keep all of your sports gear and uniform clean. Don’t share sports gear (helmet, etc.) with other players.

My pet has ringworm and I’m worried about ringworm in my house. What should I do?

Ringworm can easily transfer from animals to humans.⁵ You can take the following steps to protect yourself and your pet:

For people
Do

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with or petting your pet.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves if you must handle animals with ringworm, and always wash your hands after handling the animal.
• Vacuum the areas of the home that the infected pet commonly visits. This will help to remove infected fur or flakes of skin.
• Disinfect areas the pet has spent time in, including surfaces and bedding.
  • 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. This may cause harmful gases.

Do not handle animals with ringworm if your immune system is weak in any way (if you have HIV/AIDS, are undergoing cancer treatment, or are taking medications that suppress the immune system, for example).

For pets
Protect your pet’s health

• If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, make sure it is seen by a veterinarian so treatment can be started.
• If one of your pets has ringworm, make sure you have every pet in the household checked for ringworm infection.

Please click here for more information about pets and ringworm.

Please click here for information about how to stay healthy at petting zoos and other animal exhibits.

There’s a ringworm outbreak in my child’s school/daycare center. What should I do?

• Contact your local health department for more information.
• Tell your child not to share personal items, such as clothing, hairbrushes, and hats, with other people.
• Take your child to see a pediatrician if he or she develops ringworm symptoms.
• Check with your child’s school or daycare to see if he or she can still attend classes or participate in athletics.

Ringworm in Children

What is ringworm in children?

Ringworm is a type of skin infection caused by a fungus. It looks like a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin. There are several types of ringworm.

What causes ringworm in a child?

A ringworm infection is not caused by an actual worm. It is caused by fungi on the skin, hair, and nailbeds called dermatophytes. Different types of dermatophytes affect different parts of the body. They cause different types of symptoms.

Which children are at risk for ringworm?

Children may be at risk for ringworm if they:

• Use shared bathrooms or locker rooms

• Play contact sports, such as wrestling

• Live in a warm climate

• Have contact with other children or pets that have ringworm

• Have a weak immune system because of illness or medicines

• Have poor hygiene

• Are malnourished

What are the symptoms of ringworm in a child?

The symptoms of ringworm vary depending on which part of the body is affected.  The most common types of ringworm are listed below.

Athlete’s foot

This problem mostly affects teenage boys and men. It usually doesn’t affect children before puberty. Things such as sweating, not drying the feet well after swimming or bathing, wearing tight socks and shoes, and warm weather can play a part in this problem. Symptoms may include:

• Whitening of the skin between the toes

• Scaling of the feet

• Itchy rash on the feet

• Blisters on the feet

Jock itch

This problem is also more common in males. It happens more often during warm weather. It is very rare in females. Symptoms of jock itch may include:

• Red, ring-like patches in the groin area

• Itching in the groin area

• Pain in the groin area

It does not often involve the scrotum.

Scalp ringworm

Scalp ringworm is highly contagious, especially among children. It happens mainly in children between ages 2 and 10. It rarely happens in adults. Symptoms may include:

• Red, scaly rash on the scalp

• Itchy scalp

• Hair loss on the scalp

• Rash elsewhere on the body

Bad cases of ringworm of the scalp can also develop into a kerion. A kerion is a thick, pus-filled area on the scalp. It can also cause a fever. This can be caused by an overly active response of the immune system or an allergic reaction to the fungus. It may cause a rash elsewhere on the body and tender lymph nodes in the neck.

Nail infection

This type of ringworm causes the nails to become thickened and deformed. This problem affects the toenails more often than the fingernails. It happens more often in teens and adults rather than young children. Symptoms may include thickening of the ends of the nails and yellowing of the nails.

Body ringworm

This skin infection is a ring-like rash that appears anywhere on the body or face. It happens in people of all ages, but it is more common in children. It is also more common in warmer climates. The symptoms may include:

• Red, ring-like rash with raised edges

• The middle of the rash may become less red as the lesion grows

• Itching of the affected area

Ringworm may look like many skin problems. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is ringworm diagnosed in a child?

Ringworm is often diagnosed based on a health history and physical exam of your child. In addition, your child’s healthcare provider may do a culture or skin scraping of the rash to confirm the diagnosis.

How is ringworm treated in a child?

Fungi can live indefinitely on the skin, so ringworm is likely to come back. Treatment may need to be repeated. Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment for scalp ringworm may include:

If your child has a kerion or a secondary sore (abscess) or bacterial infection, they may need additional medicines to help reduce the swelling. These may include steroids.

Treatment for ringworm of the body, groin, and foot is often an antifungal cream or pill to take by mouth. The length of the treatment depends on the location of the ringworm.

Ringworm of the nails can be hard to cure. It is often treated with antifungal medicine taken by mouth for many months.

Good handwashing is critical to managing ringworm. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after treating your child’s ringworm. Use soap and clean, running water. Teach your child how and when to wash their hands as well.

If the ringworm is from an animal, it will need treatment too.

What are possible complications of ringworm in a child?

Ringworm rarely has serious complications. 

What can I do to prevent ringworm in my child?

Ringworm can be prevented by:

• Having good hygiene

• Frequent handwashing

• Not wearing other people’s hats or clothing

• Keeping feet dry

• Staying away from someone who has ringworm

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Most types of ringworm can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. But ringworm of the scalp and nails needs an antifungal medicine taken by mouth. This medicine must be prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider. Call your child’s provider if you are unsure if your child has ringworm. Or if your child has a weakened immune system.

Key points about ringworm in children

• Ringworm is a type of skin infection. It looks like a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin.

• Ringworm infection is not caused by an actual worm but by fungi on the skin, hair, and nail beds.

• The symptoms of ringworm vary depending on the type of fungus and which part of the body is affected. Most cause itching.

• Ringworm is often diagnosed based on a health history and physical exam of your child.

• Most ringworm infections are treated with medicines that you apply to the skin. But ringworm of the scalp and nails needs a prescribed antifungal medicine that your child takes by mouth.

• It’s important to wash your hands before and after treating ringworm.

• If the ringworm is from an animal, it will need treatment too.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s healthcare provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.

Ringworm in cats | Apicenna

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a fungal disease. The causative agents are fungi of the genus Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton. The disease is dangerous for both animals and humans. It is characterized by high contagiousness, affects the coat and epidermis, provoking loss and dermatitis. Ringworm in cats requires timely diagnosis and treatment, otherwise the pet may infect other animals or owners.

Causes and pathogens

Lichen is the common name for dermatophytosis. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi, the type of disease is determined by their appearance.

• Microsporia is a fungal infection caused by Microsporum fungi. The risk group is mainly cats, but dogs and other animals can become infected through contact with a sick cat. People are also at risk.
• Trichophytosis is a lesion of the body caused by the activity of Trichophyton. Kittens and puppies up to a year are more susceptible to the disease. The pathogen can be transmitted to humans.

The main cause of dermatophytosis is contact with a sick animal. The risk group is made up of pets living in groups, rodent hunters and domestic cats on their own walking. The fungus is active at any time of the year, but the peak incidence occurs in spring and summer, especially in hot and humid climates.

Microsporia

A typical symptom of this pathology is the formation of round balding areas on the head and body. The hair in the affected area breaks off and thins, crusts and a small rash form in the focus. As a rule, it affects the muzzle, paws, tail; it is rarely diagnosed on the body.

There are 4 forms of the disease.

1. Superficial microsporia – affects only the coat, manifested by small round areas of alopecia, without inflammation of the skin.
2. Follicular (deep) form is accompanied by severe lesions of the epidermis. Manifested by foci of baldness, inflammation, the formation of dense crusts. Accompanied by itching, the animal scratches the body, thereby spreading Microsporum spores to healthy areas of the body.
3. Atypical form of infection is manifested by small abrasions and injuries, without the characteristic round foci of alopecia.
4. Latent lichen is a subclinical form in which the pathogen is present on the body but there are no symptoms.

Concealed form poses a danger to all surrounding animals. The carrier cat has no characteristic symptoms, but she carries the spores of the fungus, infecting others.

Trichophytosis

Accompanied by brittleness and hair loss, the clinical picture is very similar to microsporia. Localization of foci – neck, head, paw pads. The plots are round, regular in shape, rapidly increasing in size. The disease is accompanied by severe itching, so the cat scratches the body, the skin becomes inflamed, crusts and weeping wounds form. Accession of infection causes purulent inflammation.

Species:

• Superficial trichophytosis – does not affect the dermis, is diagnosed in adults.
• Deep form – affects young animals, accompanied by inflammation of the skin. Areas of baldness are covered with crusts, under which pus accumulates. It is characterized by a protracted course – from two months.
• Atypical form – occurs without dermatitis and itching, mainly in the summer. Small foci of alopecia appear on the body, there is no discomfort.

The disease is highly contagious, an infected cat quickly transmits spores to healthy cats. All kittens are at risk, especially in spring and summer.

Principles of treatment

Despite the general clinical picture, different types of ringworm require a different approach to therapy. It is almost impossible to distinguish trichophytosis from microsporia on your own. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to perform three examinations – translucence with a Wood’s lamp and analysis of the scraping of the affected epidermis and seeding for dermatophytes. The first study will confirm the presence of fungi, the second analysis will accurately determine the type of spores. The third analysis will eliminate the error in determining the pathogen

Veterinarian selects treatment. The treatment regimen depends on the general health of the patient, age and degree of damage to the body and coat.

1. Antifungals are the basis of therapy. They are used internally and externally. Tablets are given with food. Indications – severe inflammation and profuse hair loss. Superficial forms of lichen are treated with ointments or solutions that treat the lesions. Medicines used: Ketoconazole, Terbinafine, Fungin Forte.
2. Iodine-containing products – for the treatment of lesions. They stop the spread of spores to healthy epidermis and reduce infectivity.
3. Vitamin preparations and immunostimulants are prescribed for weakened animals for quick recovery. They are shown to kittens and older cats.
4. Antibiotics, antiseptics and other symptomatic treatments are used as needed. A veterinarian may prescribe antibacterial ointments for infection of wounds and the formation of pus under the crusts.

Treatment is carried out in several stages. First, you need to give the medicine with food (as prescribed by the doctor), then treat the skin for 2-3 weeks. Treatment with antiseptic and fungicidal agents is carried out at intervals of 2 hours. Treatment is long, about 2 months. Processing must be carried out constantly, the multiplicity is described in the instructions for a particular drug.

After a course of therapy, a scraping is taken again. A pet is considered healthy if 2 cultures for dermatophytes are negative.

Ringworm is caused by dermatophyte fungi and the type of disease is determined by their appearance: microsporia – a fungal infection caused by Microsporum fungi and trichophytosis – body damage caused by Trichophyton activity.

Yury Lizvinsky Veterinarian, Head of Training Department, Apicenna LLC

Most important

• Lichen is a colloquial name for various diseases caused by dermatophytes.
• The main risk group is kittens under 12 months of age.
• The disease is highly contagious, the infected pet must be isolated from others.
• The incubation period is long, up to 5 months. In this case, the cat all this time can be a carrier of spores.
• You can become infected at any time of the year, but the risks are higher in spring and summer.
• Treatment is effective but time consuming.
• Prevention – maintaining pet hygiene.

Symptoms of dermatophytosis can be mistaken for dermatosis or allergies and should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

Ringworm in cats. What to do and how to treat? Symptoms.

Lichen is a common name for skin diseases that occur for various reasons, these diseases are characterized by small and itchy nodules of the rash. The disease is extremely unpleasant, but not fatal, it is quite treatable. The duration and treatment regimen depend on the type of fungus that caused the disease.

Lichen species

• Lichen feline lichen
  Not transmitted to humans. The cause may be a hormonal failure, a nervous breakdown, as well as an allergy or parasites – helminths, fleas or ticks. Allergies can manifest themselves to food and popular detergents, as well as to the vital activity of parasites.
• Pityriasis rosea (Pityriasis Gibert)
  The most common cause of patchy alopecia in cats and cats of different ages. The disease is caused by a herpesvirus infection.
• versicolor or pityriasis versicolor
  A dangerous type of disease for humans. Requires timely treatment.
• Lichen planus
  Caused by a malfunction in the immune system. It can be provoked by infectious and chronic diseases, as well as negative external influences.
• Ringworm
  Pet infection occurs through contact with sick animals or carriers of fungal spores. In addition, you can become infected by using household items that have been contaminated with spores. This type of lichen is dangerous to humans.

Symptoms

Each type of lichen has its own characteristics, but the following signs should definitely alert you.

The appearance of a speck of a rounded shape, on which there is no hair. In the center of the speck, small pustules, scales or vesicles are sometimes visible. In this case, the itching may bother the cat or it may not be at all. In some cases, lichen spreads to the entire body of the animal, while the skin becomes greasy and flaky.

Remember that the first signs of the disease are excessive shedding and the constant appearance of hairballs. In this case, the cat often itches. If the lichen has affected the claws, they begin to deform and grow incorrectly.

When infected with ringworm, the pet actively loses hair, and a whitish coating appears on the skin.

What can be dangerous cats for young children, read here.

Diagnosis and treatment

Only a veterinarian can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment, so contact the clinic at the first sign of lichen. The specialist will examine the pet using a Wood’s lamp, take scrapings for examination and carry out other necessary actions. Only then will your pet be diagnosed and treated.

Important! Ringworm usually heals in about 3 weeks, but in some cases it may take longer. In no case should the prescribed therapy be interrupted. Strict implementation of the doctor’s recommendations is a guarantee of effective treatment. Any failure in the drug regimen can cause only temporary improvements.

Incorrect treatment of ringworm can cause serious complications, so veterinarians use only the most effective and fast-acting medicines. After completing the full course, visit the veterinarian for repeated tests and examination.

In some cases, when therapy does not give the desired result, the doctor may prescribe vaccination with Polivak and Vakderm.

Prophylaxis

To protect your pet and your family from being infected with lichen, exclude any contact of stray animals with pets. Regularly treat all pet care items, bedding and accessories with antifungal antiseptics.