After reading, it is hoped that cat parents will gain an understanding of the skin disease known as ‘ringworm’ to prevent or treat it early. The article is approximately 4000 words long and takes about 6 minutes to read. Have you recently noticed your cat constantly licking its skin, red circular bald patches, hair loss, or grayish dandruff falling off? Be cautious, this could indicate your cat has contracted ‘ringworm’! The long treatment period, difficulty in complete cure, potential for subsequent infections, and the risk of transmission to humans if they accidentally come into contact with the affected area are features that are likely causing headaches for cat parents. This ‘Ringworm for Dummies’ guide will detail what ringworm is, its early symptoms, how to deal with cat-to-human and human-to-human transmission, what ointment to apply for treatment, and daily prevention information. If your cat is in frequent contact with you, take extra care to prevent ‘ringworm’. OPEN article table of contents What is ringworm? Can ringworm be transmitted to humans? How to prevent it? What are the causes of cats contracting ringworm and how to prevent it? Direct and indirect contact infections, how to prevent ringworm? Common symptoms and skin conditions of the 10 types of ringworm in cats? How to identify scabs? How to determine scabs and how to judge them? How to treat ringworm? Should you pay attention to scabs during the treatment process? Step 1: Shaving and disinfection Step 2: Applying medication to the affected area Step 3: Cleaning the environment Step 4: Scab management to prevent cat infection or recurrence of ringworm. Daily care methods to prevent or manage ringworm Method 1: Maintain good eating habits Method 2: More sun exposure and exercise Method 3: Regular grooming and cleaning of fur to keep the body dry Method 4: Cleaning and disinfecting the home environment Can humans get ringworm? What are the symptoms and characteristics of ringworm in humans? What ointment should be used for ringworm in humans? Can ringworm be transmitted from human to human? How to avoid human-to-human transmission of ringworm? Ringworm prevention rules! Daily care and health prevention for humans infected with ringworm? In conclusion: Ringworm is highly infectious and requires constant attention to early symptoms. Common questions What is ringworm? Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that is easily confused with skin diseases caused by parasites and is one of the most common skin diseases in cats worldwide. [Extended reading] A comprehensive list of the 12 most common parasites in cats and dogs, which humans should also be aware of! ‘Ringworm’ is a general term for skin infections caused by fungi, and 98% of ringworm in cats is caused by Microsporum canis. The most common areas to find ringworm are the skin on the head, chest, front legs, and beside the spine, sometimes also on the ears, nails, etc., and skin edges (if it occurs on the nails, it is called onychomycosis). The most common symptoms are hair loss and red, swollen ringworm patches on the skin of the infected cat, usually circular or oval, with grayish, flaky dandruff falling off in the center, and the cat clearly feels itchy in the affected area. The cat breeder says: In fact, 20% of cats are carriers of ringworm and do not show symptoms of ringworm, but still have the infectivity of ringworm, and if symptoms appear and are not treated in time, it can easily lead to chronic skin diseases! The affected area with ringworm will have redness, hair loss, and flaky dandruff, which can easily make the fur child uncomfortable! Cats that are weak, have low immunity, kittens, old cats, and breed cats are more susceptible to ringworm, so cat parents must pay special attention! Can ringworm be transmitted to humans? How to prevent it? Yes, ringworm can be transmitted to humans! Ringworm is highly infectious because ‘dermatomycosis’ is a zoonotic disease, so not only can cats transmit it to humans, but also humans can infect each other! In simple terms, the Microsporum canis that causes ringworm is also contagious to dogs or humans.
The incubation period of ringworm in cats is very long. During the incubation period, fungi will continuously release spores. Therefore, any item that an infected cat comes into contact with will be contaminated with spores. So, if there is a cat with ringworm in the family, it is very easy for the surrounding animals, including the owner’s family, to be infected. Owners are particularly susceptible to catching ringworm from cats because they are in frequent contact with them. Special attention is needed. However, when cat parents notice that their cat may have ringworm, there is no need to panic. Because human skin has a natural barrier, and at the same time, your immunity will also resist the invasion of spores. Unless you have a wound on your body, otherwise, adults with normal immunity will have a certain degree of resistance to ringworm. After confirming that the cat has ringworm, taking appropriate measures to minimize contact with fungal spores to avoid humans being infected with ringworm together is a very important thing. We can first conduct a thorough cleaning of the whole family, wash fabric products, and use an appropriate amount of bleach for disinfection. At the same time, pay more attention to the skin condition of the elderly and children with weaker immune systems or sensitive skin to prevent humans from also getting ringworm! What are the reasons for cats to transmit ringworm? How to prevent it? The main reason for cats to be infected with ringworm is that they have ‘direct or indirect’ contact with ringworm fungi (fungi), resulting in skin infections. Direct contact infection: If there are cats infected with ringworm or carrier cats in the family, and the symptoms are not detected early, other cats will be infected with ringworm. Indirect contact infection: Contacting (touching) cat supplies of cats with ringworm, such as: cat toys with mold, bare skin coming into contact with contaminated items, etc. The environment is too dirty or humid, leading to an increase in the number of mold spores in the air and greatly increasing the chance of getting ringworm. Cats are easily infected when they come into contact with the surface of objects with fungal spores, and then ringworm symptoms appear. How to prevent ringworm? In fact, about 20% of cats are asymptomatic carriers of ringworm. Because there are more or less mold spores in the environment, it is also very difficult to completely prevent cats from coming into contact with fungi. But an environment that is too dirty and humid makes the air full of too many fungi, which is easy to induce ringworm. This is very similar to the principle of human skin. We also come into contact with fungi in the air平时, but we don’t get skin diseases. The reason lies in the cleanliness and maintenance of the normal environment (reducing the number of mold in the air) and the barrier of immunity. Therefore, if there is no doubt about the environment, or if the cat in the family does not go out平时 but gets ringworm, it may indicate that the cat has a problem of low immunity. Cat parents may need to pay more attention. Does it mean that there are other internal diseases that lead to a decrease in the cat’s immunity and then infection with ringworm? Cats don’t go out平时 but are infected with ringworm? Be careful! It may indicate a problem with immunity! Here, the director summarizes the above information and tells cat parents five key methods to prevent ringworm: Keep the environment clean and dry, conduct comprehensive disinfection regularly, and reduce the number of ringworm spores in the air. Let cats bask in the sun more. Sunlight can indirectly shine into windows or balconies. Don’t let cats be directly exposed to strong sunlight. Regularly groom cats and dry their fur as soon as possible after bathing. Avoid taking cats to places with complex environments and many animals. If necessary, remember to disinfect cats well after returning home.
Boosting nutrition and enhancing your cat’s immunity is crucial. The key to preventing ringworm and other diseases in cats lies in their strong immune system! Kittens and elderly cats are more susceptible to ringworm due to weaker immunity compared to adult cats. Cats suffering from feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)… and other immune system diseases are also at a higher risk. Cats that have been administered steroids or other drugs that suppress immune function are also prone to infection. Kittens can contract ringworm through vertical infection from their mothers. Multi-cat households are also more susceptible. In summary, immunity is the key to preventing cats from contracting ringworm or feline calicivirus (commonly known as cat cold). If your cat falls into any of these categories, it is recommended that pet parents consult with a veterinarian during health check-ups for solutions! Common signs of ringworm and skin conditions? How to identify scabs? Ringworm is difficult to detect during its incubation period and requires observation of minor symptoms. The incubation period from exposure to ringworm fungus to the appearance of ringworm symptoms typically lasts 7 to 14 days; in some cases, it may take up to 21 days for infection signs to appear. However, early detection and early treatment are essential. Therefore, pet parents should pay attention to ringworm symptoms and characteristics to prevent severe infections later on! Early detection of ringworm symptoms allows for early treatment (image source: All About Cat). The caretaker has compiled 10 major symptoms of ringworm to help you determine if your cat has contracted the disease: Symptom 1: Hair loss in the affected area, especially in circular patches. Symptom 2: Unnatural clumps of hair falling out and breaking (due to the discomfort in the affected area, causing the cat to lick excessively, leading to hair loss). Symptom 3: Hair color changes, usually turning gray. Symptom 4: Redness, swelling, and inflammation in the affected area, with scabs or pus (this is the most important characteristic!). Symptom 5: Grayish flakes falling from the center of the affected area (grayish flakes could be ringworm spores!). Symptom 6: The skin in the affected area becomes hard and rough to the touch. Symptom 7: The skin infected by ringworm is noticeably darker than other areas. Symptom 8: The cat exhibits excessive licking or scratching behavior. Symptom 9: Unnatural rice-grain-like hard lumps or bumps (papules). Symptom 10: The ulceration in the affected area spreads from the center outward. Generally, if a cat has scabs on its body, there is a high probability that it is a symptom of ringworm! How to identify and judge scabs? Pet parents can conduct regular checks on their cats, observing for redness and hair loss, especially along the edges of the skin, such as the paws or the gaps between the pads. The caretaker says: Special attention should be paid to examining the cat’s face, around both ears, the limbs’ nails, tail, and back, as these are the most common areas for ringworm to occur. After observing for any affected areas, run your hands along the cat’s skin from head to tail. If you feel any hard bumps or rough textures, lift the fur to check. If you find small scabs with a small cluster of grayish flakes nearby, it could be ringworm! Regularly conducting these checks while petting your cat is an essential trick for preventing ringworm! If scabs are found, do not forcibly remove them, as this can lead to more severe bacterial infections in the affected area. Please seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.
After reading this, we hope to help cat parents understand the fungal infection known as ‘Ringworm’, a common skin disease among both pets and humans, so they can prevent or treat it early. The article is approximately 4000 words long and takes about 6 minutes to read. Have you recently noticed your cat constantly licking its skin, red circular bald patches, hair loss, or grayish dandruff falling off? Be cautious, as these could be signs that your cat has contracted ‘Ringworm’! The long treatment period, difficulty in complete cure, potential for subsequent infections, and the risk of transmission to humans if they come into contact with the lesion are all characteristics that can be a headache for cat parents. This ‘Ringworm Lazy Pack’ will detail what Ringworm is, its early symptoms, how to handle cat-to-human & human-to-human transmission, what ointments to apply for treatment, and daily prevention tips. If your cat frequently interacts with its parents, extra care must be taken to prevent ‘Ringworm’. OPEN article table of contents What is Ringworm? Can Ringworm be transmitted to humans? How to prevent it? What are the reasons for cat-to-cat transmission of Ringworm? How to prevent it? Direct contact infection Indirect contact infection How to prevent Ringworm? Common 10 Ringworm symptoms and skin conditions in cats? How to identify scabs? How to tell Ringworm scabs, and how to judge? How to treat Ringworm? Should you pay attention to scabs during the treatment process? Step 1: Hair clipping and disinfection Step 2: Medication application on the affected area Step 3: Environmental cleaning Step 4: Scab management to prevent cat infection or recurrence Daily care methods to prevent or manage Ringworm Method 1: Maintain a good dietary habit Method 2: More sun exposure and exercise Method 3: Regular grooming and cleaning of fur to maintain body dryness Method 4: Cleaning and disinfecting the home environment Can humans get Ringworm? What are the symptoms and characteristics of human Ringworm? What ointment should be applied for human Ringworm? Can Ringworm be transmitted from human to human? How to avoid human-to-human transmission of Ringworm? Ringworm avoidance rules! Daily care and health prevention for humans infected with Ringworm? Conclusion: Ringworm is highly contagious and requires constant attention to early symptoms Common questions What is Ringworm? Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that is easily confused with skin diseases caused by parasites and is one of the most common skin diseases among cats worldwide. [Extended reading] A comprehensive list of the 12 most common parasites in cats and dogs, not just for pets but also for humans to be aware of! ‘Ringworm’ is a common term for skin infections caused by fungi, and 98% of Ringworm in cats is caused by Microsporum canis. The most common areas to find Ringworm are the skin of the head, chest, front legs, and beside the spine, sometimes also appearing on the ears, nails, etc… (If it occurs on the nails, it is called onychomycosis). The most common symptoms are hair loss and red, swollen Ringworm patches on the skin infected with Ringworm, usually circular or elliptical, with gray, scaly, flaky dandruff falling off, and the cat clearly feels itchy in the affected area, etc… The fur gardener says: Actually, 20% of cats are carriers of Ringworm, and they do not show symptoms of Ringworm usually, but they still have the infectivity of Ringworm, and if symptoms appear without timely treatment, it can easily lead to chronic skin diseases! The affected areas of cats with Ringworm will have redness, hair loss, and scaly flaky dandruff, which can also easily make the fur children uncomfortable! Cats that are weak, have a weak immune system, such as kittens, old cats, and breed cats, are more prone to Ringworm, so cat parents need to pay special attention! Can Ringworm be transmitted to humans? How to prevent it? Ringworm can be transmitted to humans! The infectivity of Ringworm is very strong because ‘dermatomycosis’ is a disease that is transmissible between humans and animals, so not only can cats transmit it to humans, but also humans can infect each other! In simple terms, the Microsporum canis that causes Ringworm is also contagious to dogs or humans.
The incubation period for feline ringworm is quite long. During this period, the fungus continuously releases spores, which means that any items touched by an infected cat will be contaminated with these spores. Consequently, if there is a cat in the household with ringworm, it is highly likely that other animals in the house, including the owners, will also be affected. Pet owners, who are in frequent contact with their cats, are particularly susceptible to contracting ringworm and should pay special attention. However, upon discovering that their cat may have ringworm, pet parents need not panic. Human skin has a natural barrier, and your immune system will also fend off the invasion of spores, unless you have an open wound. Otherwise, healthy adults have a certain level of resistance to ringworm. After confirming that a cat has ringworm, it is crucial to take appropriate measures to minimize contact with fungal spores to prevent human infection. We can start by thoroughly cleaning the entire household, washing fabric products, and using an appropriate amount of bleach for disinfection. It is also important to monitor the skin conditions of individuals with weaker immune systems or sensitive skin, such as the elderly and children, to prevent them from contracting ringworm as well!
What are the causes of cats transmitting ringworm and how to prevent it? The main reason for contracting ringworm is direct or indirect contact with the fungus causing the skin infection. Direct contact occurs when there is an infected cat or a carrier in the household, and symptoms are not detected early, leading to other cats being infected. Indirect contact occurs through touching (petting) items used by cats with ringworm, such as toys contaminated with mold, or direct skin contact with contaminated objects. A dirty or damp environment increases the number of mold spores in the air, significantly raising the risk of contracting ringworm. Cats are susceptible to infection and the symptoms of ringworm when they come into contact with surfaces carrying fungal spores. How can we prevent ringworm? Approximately 20% of cats are asymptomatic carriers of the fungus. Since fungal spores are present in the environment to some extent, it is difficult to completely prevent cats from coming into contact with the fungus. However, a dirty and damp environment leads to an excess of fungi in the air, which can trigger ringworm. This is similar to human skin, as we are also exposed to fungi in the air but do not develop skin diseases due to regular environmental cleaning and maintenance (reducing the number of airborne mold spores) and the barrier of our immune system. Therefore, if there are no environmental concerns and the cat does not usually go outside, but contracts ringworm, it may indicate an issue with the cat’s immune system. Pet parents should be vigilant and consider whether there are other internal diseases causing the cat’s immune system to weaken and thus become infected with ringworm. Carefully consider whether the cat’s immune system is compromised if it contracts ringworm despite not going outside.
Here, the gardener compiles the above information and provides pet parents with five key methods to prevent ringworm: Maintain a clean and dry environment, regularly disinfect thoroughly, and reduce the number of ringworm spores in the air. Allow cats to bask in sunlight, either indirectly through windows or on balconies, avoiding direct exposure to the harsh sun. Regularly groom your cat and dry its fur promptly after bathing. Avoid taking your cat to places with complex environments and many animals; if unavoidable, remember to disinfect your cat thoroughly upon returning home.
Increase nutrition to boost your cat’s immunity. The key to preventing ringworm infection and other diseases in cats lies in maintaining excellent immunity! Kittens or elderly cats with weaker immunity than adult cats. Cats with immune system diseases such as feline leukemia or feline AIDS… [Further Reading] What is Feline AIDS? How to Care for AIDS Cats? Daily Protection + Care Guidelines! Cats that have consumed steroids or other immune-suppressing drugs. Kittens infected vertically by their mothers. Multi-cat households. In summary, immunity is crucial for cats to avoid contracting ringworm or feline herpes (commonly known as cat cold). If your cat has any of the above conditions, it is recommended that cat parents consult with a veterinarian during health checks for solutions! The 10 common symptoms and skin conditions of ringworm? How to identify scabs? Generally, ringworm is difficult to detect during the incubation period and requires judgment from the minor symptoms of the outbreak. The incubation period from contact with the fungus to the appearance of ringworm is usually 7 to 14 days; some cases may take up to 21 days to show signs of infection. However, early detection and early treatment are essential, so cat parents should pay attention to ringworm symptoms regularly and be aware of the characteristics of ringworm to prevent severe infections later on! Early detection of ringworm symptoms allows for early treatment (Image source: All About Cat). The park director has compiled the top 10 ringworm symptoms to help you determine if your cat has contracted ringworm: Symptom 1: Hair loss in the affected area, especially in circular areas. Symptom 2: Hair falls out unnaturally in clumps and breaks (because the affected area is uncomfortable, causing the cat to lick constantly, leading to hair loss). Symptom 3: Hair color changes, usually turning gray. Symptom 4: The affected area becomes swollen and inflamed, with blood clot scabs or pus (this is the most important feature!). Symptom 5: Gray scales fall from the center of the affected area (gray scales could be ringworm spores!). Symptom 6: The skin in the affected area becomes hard and rough to the touch. Symptom 7: The skin infected with ringworm is noticeably darker than other areas. Symptom 8: Cats exhibit excessive licking or scratching behavior. Symptom 9: Unnatural rice-grain-like hard lumps or protrusions (papules). Symptom 10: The ulceration in the affected area spreads from the center to the surroundings. Generally, if there are scabs on a cat’s body, it is likely to be a symptom of ringworm! How to identify and judge ringworm scabs? Cat parents can conduct daily checks on their cats. During the check, first, observe with your eyes for any swelling and hair loss on the body, especially at the edges of the skin, such as paws or the gaps between the pads. The park director says: Pay special attention to the cat’s face, around both ears, four nails, tail, and back, as these are the most common areas for ringworm to occur. After observing for any affected areas with your eyes, use both hands, closely following the cat’s skin, and stroke from head to tail. If you feel hard protrusions or rough textures, lift the fur to check. If you find small scabs with a small clump of gray scales next to them, it could be ringworm! Regularly conducting daily checks while petting your cat is an important trick for preventing ringworm! If you find scabs, do not forcibly remove them, as this can lead to more severe bacterial infections in the ringworm-affected areas. Please take your cat to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.
How to treat ringworm in cats? Should scabs be cared for during the treatment process? If a cat shows symptoms of ringworm, how will a veterinarian diagnose and treat it? Veterinarians typically use a Wood’s lamp (ultraviolet light) to check for fluorescence in the affected area, which helps to preliminarily determine if there is a fungal infection. Once ringworm infection is confirmed, treatment must begin. Managing ringworm is not complicated; it involves maintaining cleanliness and care in the affected area and following instructions for oral medication, ointments, or medicated baths. The steps for treating ringworm are as follows:
Step 1: Hair Removal and Disinfection
When treating ringworm, start by shaving the cat’s fur to prevent the spread of the fungus through hair and to facilitate the application of ointments. It is recommended to not fear the aesthetic impact and to shave the fur around the infected area thoroughly to ensure complete treatment and avoid complications. Avoid contact with the shaved fur to prevent infection.
Step 2: Topical Treatment of Ringworm
For minor infections, veterinarians usually opt for topical ointment treatment. When applying the ointment, do not remove scabs; instead, apply the ointment over the scabs as well. After applying the medication, remember to put a cone on the cat to prevent it from ingesting the ringworm ointment and to avoid the cat scratching off the scabs. In severe infections, veterinarians might also prescribe oral medication and medicated baths.
Step 3: Environmental Cleaning
The cat’s living environment should also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. All frequently used items, floors, and furniture must be disinfected to prevent the family from getting ringworm. It is best to use pet-specific environmental antibacterial protection solutions (chlorine water), and professional products with controlled concentrations are the best choice. When caring for a cat with ringworm, pay attention to environmental disinfection and maintain clean hands.
Step 4: Scab Management
During the treatment process, special attention should be paid to the formation of scabs in the ringworm area. Ringworm that is gradually recovering will have gray scabs. Waiting for the scabs to fall off indicates that the ringworm treatment is almost complete. At this point, cat parents can try to gently peel off the scabs, but if the scabs are still hard and cannot be easily removed, it is not recommended to forcibly remove them, as the internal wound may not have fully healed. Before applying the ointment daily, use a warm, damp towel to soften the scabs. Once softened, the scabs will easily fall off, and you can gently wipe with a towel to let the scabs fall off. If the scabs cannot be softened, it means they are not yet mature, so wait a few days and continue to clean the scabs.
Daily Care Methods to Prevent Infection or Recurrence of Ringworm
Cat parents are aware of the horrors of ringworm, so how can we prevent cats that have not been infected or have already recovered from getting ringworm? First, ‘ensuring good immunity’ is a key factor, but it is not about blindly pursuing immunity enhancement, as it can lead to an overactive immune system, causing immune imbalance in cats! The focus of preventing ringworm lies in ‘maintaining a balanced immunity’.
Method 1: Maintain Good Eating Habits
To help cats establish a good balance of immunity, the most important thing is to ensure a balanced diet, proper hydration, and to ensure that the cat food contains taurine, an essential ingredient. Because once the diet is abnormal, immunity decreases, skin resistance becomes poor, and it is easy to cause ringworm infection.
You can pay more attention to whether the cat’s feed cans have the following ingredients: riboflavin, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B2, zinc and other ingredients that help cats balance their immunity. Supplementing with high-quality probiotics can also enhance intestinal immunity and help cats achieve sufficient immune balance from the inside out! Ensuring that cats usually receive sufficient nutrition is very important. Sometimes, appropriately supplementing nutritional health products can also help them obtain more comprehensive nutrition! Method 2: Get more sun and exercise. Exposing to sunlight can appropriately supplement vitamin D and promote calcium absorption. However, if cats are overexposed to the sun, they may easily experience symptoms of dehydration, even heatstroke or sunburn. But cat parents don’t need to worry too much. Cats won’t stupidly let themselves get sunburned. Just appropriately open the curtains and balcony at home to give cats a space to bask in the sun on their own. Method 3: Regularly groom and clean the fur to maintain a dry body. Cat parents can regularly groom their cats’ fur. This can not only prevent external parasites and the invasion of ringworm fungi on the cat’s skin but also prevent cats from ingesting too much fur when grooming, which can cause symptoms such as hairball vomiting and even megacolon. [Extended Reading] What should I do if my cat vomits? 5 common causes to teach you how to judge what is normal hairball vomiting and when to see a doctor! Method 4: Clean and disinfect the home environment. Regularly clean the home environment and disinfect it with disinfectant. This is not only an important step to prevent ringworm in cats but also to prevent internal and external parasites. Occasional disinfection can protect cats from ringworm viruses. Generally, it is sufficient to disinfect in a large area by spraying and strengthen wiping in a small area. You can purchase pet-specific disinfectant liquids or use hypochlorous acid water to help cat parents clean the home environment. Principal Mao said: Hypochlorous acid water has a structure similar to bleach and also has the property of destroying the cell membrane of bacteria and has a certain disinfection effect. It can be used to disinfect food utensils and can also be used to bathe pets, which is quite reassuring. However, it is recommended to purchase dedicated weakly acidic hypochlorous acid water. Principal Mao does not recommend purchasing unknown sources or making it by cat parents themselves, as it may cause harm! Regularly disinfecting the home environment can better protect cats from ringworm, cat parasites and other hazards! Can humans get ringworm from cats? What are the symptoms and characteristics of ringworm in humans? Ringworm in cats is easily transmitted to humans, especially young children and the elderly. Therefore, when cats are being treated, appropriate measures should be taken to minimize contact with fungi to avoid the spread of ringworm and prevent the tragedy of human-to-human transmission. The symptoms of humans getting ringworm are very similar to those of cats. The most common ones are: small areas of thickened and reddened skin. The affected area is circular in shape, with raised and hardened edges. There is a burning itching sensation. The ringworm area will peel or flake. The symptoms of humans getting ringworm are similar to those of cats. The most significant characteristic is that the affected area is red and circular and there is an itching sensation. Note that if you have the above symptoms, do not scratch! Because scratching the skin not only can cause further infection at the ringworm area but also allow the fungus to continue to spread. What ointment should humans use to treat ringworm? Can ringworm be transmitted from humans to humans? Generally, it is recommended that owners who have ringworm receive treatment together with their families to avoid the ringworm fungus lurking in corners and causing continuous recurrence in cats and their owners. Generally, the ointments for human ringworm will contain the following ingredients: clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, etc… ointments with antifungal ingredients.
Please visit a clinic for diagnosis and do not purchase over-the-counter medications from a pharmacy. Most ointments available at pharmacies are compound formulations, which contain a little of each component, making it difficult to treat the condition effectively. Steroids can cause a rebound of the ringworm fungus once discontinued and can also weaken the skin. Ringworm is contagious among humans, and the recurrence rate is high, so it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and use medication patiently. Typically, there will be a noticeable improvement in ringworm within a month. After returning to a normal appearance, it is recommended to continue applying medication for two more weeks to completely eradicate the ringworm fungus. Following the doctor’s instructions for medication use, ringworm conditions usually improve significantly within about a month. How to avoid human-to-human transmission of ringworm? Ringworm avoidance guidelines! Since ringworm is highly contagious and common among humans, isolation is crucial when caring for cats with ringworm. To prevent transmission to cat parents and family members, follow these guidelines when caring for ringworm: Wear gloves when handling ringworm. Wash hands with soap after handling ringworm wounds. Remove cat hair and skin flakes affected by ringworm from the environment and disinfect thoroughly with disinfectant. Wash clothing, carpets, and any fabrics with bleach, and expose items that can be sun-dried to sunlight. When handling ringworm symptoms, wear gloves and pay attention to cleanliness to prevent infection! Daily care and health prevention for humans infected with ringworm? Ringworm can remain infectious in the environment for up to 18 months, so during the treatment process, in addition to applying ointment on time, it is also important to focus on environmental cleaning and disinfection. If cat parents or family members inadvertently contract ringworm, how should they manage daily care and protection? Do not use medication indiscriminately, go to a clinic for professional diagnosis and follow the prescribed medication. Avoid scratching the ringworm-affected area to prevent secondary infection. Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching the ringworm-affected area. Also, treat the cat’s ringworm environment regularly with cleaning and disinfection, and soak clothes in bleach. Summary: Ringworm has a strong infectivity and requires constant attention to early symptoms. Because ringworm can be easily confused with other skin diseases such as fleas and worms, and it is highly contagious, prone to recurrence, and can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, cat parents should pay more attention to their cat’s skin condition regularly to detect early symptoms of ringworm early on and prevent the spread of ringworm through regular environmental disinfection and maintaining ventilation. If unfortunately infected with ringworm, seek veterinary help promptly to ensure the health and happiness of your cat! The principal says: Cat parents should be aware that if their cats, who do not usually go outdoors, contract ringworm, it may also indicate a problem with the cat’s immune system, so pay more attention and conduct a detailed examination for early treatment! Common questions compiled by Principal Mao to help cat parents with their doubts! What is ringworm? Is it contagious to humans? Ringworm is a skin disease caused by ‘fungi’. It can be infected as long as the epidermal wound comes into contact with pathogenic fungi, and ringworm has a very strong infectivity. Therefore, ringworm is a dangerous skin disease that can be transmitted from cats to humans, from humans to humans, and then to other animals! My cat has ringworm, how can I prevent other family members and pets from getting ringworm? In fact, about 20% of cats are asymptomatic carriers of ringworm. Since there are more or less fungal spores in the environment, it is also difficult to completely prevent cats from coming into contact with fungi.
Excessively dirty and damp environments can lead to an overgrowth of fungi in the air, which can easily trigger ringworm in cats. This is similar to human skin, where we also come into contact with fungi in the air but do not contract skin diseases. The reason for this is the regular maintenance of cleanliness in our environment (reducing the number of airborne mold spores) and the barrier of our immune system. Therefore, if a cat in your home is diagnosed with ringworm, it implies that other people might also have inadvertently come into contact with the pathogenic fungi, hence everyone should seek medical attention together. Following this, a thorough cleaning of the entire household should be conducted, washing fabric products, and using an appropriate amount of bleach for disinfection. Additionally, pay close attention to the skin conditions of elderly and children who may have weaker immune systems or sensitive skin to prevent them from contracting ringworm as well! What should one be mindful of when caring for a cat with ringworm? Since ringworm is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from person to person, isolation is crucial when caring for a cat with ringworm. To prevent the spread of infection to pet parents and family members, adhere to the following guidelines when handling ringworm: 1. Wear gloves when handling ringworm. 2. Wash hands with soap after handling ringworm lesions. 3. Remove cat hair and skin flakes from the environment with ringworm and disinfect thoroughly with disinfectant. 4. Wash clothing, carpets, and any fabrics with bleach. 5. Air out and sun dry items that can be exposed to sunlight. The entire family and other pets should also undergo preventive treatment for ringworm to effectively reduce the chances of contracting or recurring ringworm! Limited-time experience package, only 50 yuan, with free shipping coupon code, click to use. The latest article from PetDaddy: [Cat Posture Meaning] Understand 18 Types of Cat Body Language in 3 Seconds. 2023-02-03. [What to Do if Cats Fight] Preventing Cat Fights + Essential Guide for Multi-Cat Households. 2023-01-26. Essential Knowledge for New Dog Owners: 7 Must-Have Items for Dog Care, Care Tips, and Essential Knowledge. 2023-01-23. [What to Do if Your Cat Keeps Meowing] Understand the Reasons Behind Your Cat’s Constant Meowing and How to Handle It in 3 Minutes. 2023-01-08. [Foods Cats Can Eat] 20 Human Foods That Can Also Supplement Your Cat’s Diet! Eating These Can Make Cats Live Longer! 2022-12-24. Thank you for watching. If you find the director’s articles very useful, you can click the share button below to share on LINE, FB to anyone in need of information. You are also welcome to join the Pet Parents LINE discussion community to discuss pet experiences with 670 pet parents.