The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes ringworm as a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It’s called “ringworm” because it can create a circular rash that is usually red and itchy.

Ringworm goes by many names, the medical terms are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.” Other names for ringworm are based on its location on the body – for example, ringworm on the feet is also called “athlete’s foot.”

The name given to the unique group of fungi that can infect keratinized tissue, such as skin, hair and nails, is dermatophytes. While there are dozens of different species of fungi that can cause ringworm, the three genera include Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton.

CDC warns that anyone can get ringworm and the fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces and on items, such as clothing, towels and bedding. Symptoms of ringworm typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause it. The three main ways ringworm spreads listed by CDC include:
1. From a person who has ringworm
2. From an animal that has ringworm
3. From the environment

To help prevent ringworm, CDC recommends:
• Keeping skin clean and dry.
• Wearing shoes that allow air to circulate freely around the feet.
• Not walking barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers.
• Clipping fingernails and toenails short and keeping them clean.
• Changing socks and underwear at least once a day.
• Not sharing clothing, towels, sheets or other personal items with someone who has ringworm.
• Washing hands with soap and running water after playing with pets.
• Athletes involved in close contact sports, should shower immediately after a practice session or match, and keep all sports gear and uniforms clean.

These are just a few of the many things to know about ringworm and exposure risks. To learn more about this or other infection control, indoor environmental quality, industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com