From the Guidelines
Yes, ringworm can infect humans through contact with infected pets. Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a circular, red, itchy rash on the skin. When pets like cats, dogs, or other animals have ringworm, the fungal spores can transfer to humans through direct contact with the animal's skin or fur, or by touching contaminated items like bedding, grooming tools, or furniture. According to a study published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, skin contact with animals in public settings might also result in human infection, with documented cases of ringworm infection caused by Trichophyton species and Microsporum gypseum among owners and family members who exhibited lambs.
Key Points to Consider
- The infection is particularly common in kittens and puppies
- If your pet has bald patches, scaly skin, or excessive scratching, they may have ringworm and should be examined by a veterinarian
- To prevent transmission, wear gloves when handling infected pets, wash hands thoroughly after contact, isolate infected animals during treatment, and disinfect the environment with appropriate antifungal cleaners
- Treatment for humans typically involves topical antifungal medications like clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine applied 2-3 times daily for 2-4 weeks
Prevention and Treatment
The infection spreads easily because fungal spores can survive in the environment for months, making proper hygiene and complete treatment essential for both pets and humans. It is crucial to take preventive measures and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. As noted in the study 1, multiple cases of ringworm infection have been traced to infected animals, highlighting the importance of proper handling and hygiene practices when interacting with pets.
From the Research
Ringworm Infection
- Ringworm, also known as tinea corporis, is a fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes 2.
- It is estimated that 10% to 20% of the world population is affected by fungal skin infections, including ringworm 2.
- Ringworm can infect humans through contact with infected pets, as well as through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.
Transmission and Prevention
- The diagnosis of ringworm can be made on clinical appearance and can be confirmed by microscopy or culture 2.
- To prevent the spread of ringworm, it is essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items.
- Treatment of ringworm typically involves the use of topical antifungal medications, such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, and naftifine 2, 3, 4.
Treatment Options
- Terbinafine has been shown to be effective in treating ringworm, with clinical cure rates significantly higher than placebo 2.
- Clotrimazole and naftifine have also been found to be effective in treating ringworm, although the quality of evidence for these treatments is rated as low 2.
- A comparison of terbinafine and clotrimazole in treating tinea pedis found that terbinafine was more effective in terms of mycological cure and effective treatment 3.
- A mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis found that butenafine, naftifine, and terbinafine may be the best strategies for maintaining cured status in dermatophytosis treatment 4.
Safety and Efficacy
- The frequency of adverse events attributed to antifungal treatments is generally low, with most events being mild and reversible 5, 6.
- However, some antifungal creams may contain allergenic ingredients, such as propylene glycol, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis 6.
- Terbinafine and clotrimazole were found to contain the least number of potential allergenic ingredients among four commonly used antifungal creams 6.