How to Prevent Ringworm Reinfections

Ringworm is caused by several different fungi and affects, cats, dogs, horses and even humans. And it's very easily spread between species through physical contact. Fungus spores shed from an infected animal through skin or hair can live without a host for up to 18 months, making ringworm reinfections a common occurrence. Ringworm is very easily to treat, and with diligence, ringworm reinfections can be prevented or at least minimized.

Instructions

• 1

  Treat the infected animal or human for ringworm. To treat ringworm, apply a topical anti-fungal treatment twice daily. For your pet, visit your veterinarian for the appropriate treatment. For yourself, you can pick up an anti-fungal cream at the drug store.

  Ringworm can take up to four to six weeks to disappear, and will spread if untreated. Make sure you continue applying the cream for an additional week or two after the lesion has disappeared to prevent the fungus from coming back.

• 2

  Wash pet and human bedding in hot water to kill any fungus spores. Wash clothing in hot water, as well.

  To prevent ringworm reinfections in horses, wash blankets and saddle pads thoroughly, and spray shared items such as brushes and shared saddle pads with an anti-fungal spray between uses.

• 3

  Avoid sharing clothing and personal grooming supplies with others, especially a person known to have ringworm.

• 4

  Wash your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with an infected person or handling an infected animal.

• 5

  Keep shared areas (day cares, locker rooms, schools, etc.) and items (blankets, sleeping bags, wrestling mats, etc.) disinfected.

• 6

  Research your pet's boarding, grooming and veterinary facilities. Ringworm is most easily spread among animals in places where numerous animals come in contact with one another, so staff should be concerned with and diligent about disinfecting facilities and tools to prevent the spread of ringworm and other diseases.