Is a Ring Worm Contagious?
According to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that can occur on your feet (athlete's foot), body, groin (jock itch) or scalp. Although ringworm is a very contagious health condition, you can minimize your chances of developing infection by practicing good hygiene.
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Direct Contact
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According to the Mayo Clinic, ringworm infection frequently occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, including dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, goats, pigs and rabbits.
Indirect Contact
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You could also develop a ringworm infection through indirect contact; this type of ringworm infection occurs when your skin touches a surface that an infected person or animal touched, such as clothing, combs, brushes, bed linens, shower stalls or toys.
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Transmission
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Producing scalp symptoms as late as 14 days following exposure and skin symptoms as late as 10 days following exposure, ringworm is contagious for days before symptoms even appear, according to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education.
Considerations
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Children who interact with others in close quarters, such as those in daycare or school, have increased chances of developing ringworm, since they're more likely to make direct or indirect contact with infected individuals.
Prevention/Solution
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In order to maximize your chances of preventing this contagious skin infection, you should frequently wash your hands, avoid animals that may be infected and refuse to share personal items such as hair brushes, towels and shoes.
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