Despite the name, ringworm infections have nothing to do with worms at all. Ringworm is actually the common name for skin infections caused by a special group of fungi known as dermatophytes which feed on the dead cells of the skin and hair. Simple skin contact with a spore can cause infection. In people, this typically results in a round, red lesion. On animals, however, ringworm infection may look like a dry, grey, scaly patch or any other skin lesion, or there may be no signs of skin irritation at all. Infected animals, even those with no symptoms at all, can infect others, including people.
People and pets with reduced immune capacity are at a higher risk for ringworm infection, including young animals and children, elderly people and pets, highly stressed people and animals, those who are HIV positive, and people on chemotherapy or taking medication following transfusion or organ transplant.
Tests are often necessary to diagnose ringworm infection in pets and these can include the Wood's Light test, microscopic examination, fungal culture, and biopsy. Because there are different species of fungi that come from different animals or even soil, determining the species can help to determine the source of the fungal infection. Two medications, Griseofulvin and Itraconazole, are typically used to treat ringworm infection and are often given for one to two months. It is also helpful to kill the fungus on the pet with topical treatments such as lime sulfur dips. Disinfecting the environment is also very important and is best done with bleach diluted 1:10, along with vacuuming and steam cleaning of carpeting. |
