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Ringworm

What is ringworm and what How does ringworm affect How can I protect my causes it? my animal? from ringworm? Ringworm is a fungal After exposure, it takes two to four Ringworm is seen most often in that can affect and many weeks before your animal shows with a poor or immature animal . The infection is also clinical signs. There may be . Young puppies called dermatophytosis (der-mat-O- where the is gone and crusts or or kittens must be kept in an area f---sis) and is caused by many scales may develop on the skin in that is clean to reduce the risk of types of fungi. The disease gets it the affected areas. Often the skin in fungal . Infected animals name from the appearance of a “ring” these areas is red and very itchy. An should be treated and separated type that develops on the skin appearance of a circle or ring in your from other animals. Any animals of the infected person or animal. The animal’s may be seen. is where with weak immune systems from disease has nothing to do with . the term ringworm comes from. other conditions (e.g. , kidney Some of the fungi that cause disease), should be kept away from ringworm are only found on humans Can I get ringworm? any infected animal. and very seldom found in animals. Yes. You may get the infection How can I protect myself Others are found on animals and by direct contact with an infected can be transferred to humans from animal or from an infected person. from ringworm? the animals. There are also some The most common symptom is The best way to protect yourself ringworm fungi found in the soil, and itchiness and the spots are generally from ringworm is to use good hygiene under the right conditions, may affect inflamed at the edge with redness, habits. Wash your frequently, either humans or animals. scaling, and occasionally blistering. especially after contact with any animal. Clean and disinfect areas What animals get Who should I contact, if I where your animal as well as any ringworm? suspect ringworm? equipment used for the animal. Dilute In Animals – Contact your Many species of animals can get chlorine (1:10) may be used. immediately. ringworm, including , , , If your animal becomes infected, In Humans – Contact your , , , , wear gloves and protective clothing physician immediately. and . when contacting or treating the infected animal. Wash thoroughly How can my animal get after contact. Vacuuming also helps. If ringworm? you have a weak immune system stay The fungi that cause ringworm live away from any known infected animal as infective spores in the environment. or person. Direct contact to these spores leads to the disease. These spores may be For More Information on the hair of an infected animal or CFSPH Technical Fact Sheets. even on items used on the animals at http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/ like brushes or clippers. Your animal DiseaseInfo/ could also pick up these fungi by CDC website. Ringworm at http://www.cdc. direct contact with the soil. Ringworm gov/fungal/dermatophytes/ is a fungal skin disease that can affect many animal species and humans.

Photo shows ringworm skin lesion on arm of and its owner.

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