Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. Without treatment, a person remains contagious and can spread the fungus to others. If the appropriate treatment is started, the person becomes less contagious within 48 hours. However, it is important to complete the treatment to fully eliminate the infection.
When does a person become contagious?
When a person gets exposed to the fungus, the symptoms do not appear all of a sudden. It can take time to appear. This time period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of symptoms is called the incubation period.
Even though you don’t have any rash yet, you are contagious and still can transfer or spread the fungus to others.
In general, ringworm symptoms usually appear in 1-2 weeks. Ringworm of the skin usually appears in 4-10 days while ringworm of the scalp may take longer – around 10-14 days.
Note: If you got the ringworm infection from an animal or pet, it is very uncommon for it to spread from person to person. For example, tinea barbae or ringworm of beard is often acquired from animals like cattle. It very rarely spreads from one person to another.
Contagious period
Ringworm of the skin may be treated with over-the-counter antifungals while ringworm of the scalp, beard, nails, and severe cases will require oral antifungal treatment. (Read more about ringworm treatment here).
Without treatment
If the ringworm infection is not treated, the person stays contagious.
In a healthy individual, ringworm of the skin may go away on its own in a few months, however, there is no guarantee.
In some cases, it may become chronic or can spread to other parts of the body. It can also invade deeper into the skin tissues in people with weakened immune systems.
Ringworm of the scalp, beard, and nails usually does not go away or can take a very long time to clear without treatment.
With treatment
If the ringworm is treated with the right antifungal medication, after 48 hours a person becomes a lot less contagious and usually does not spread the fungus.
If the lesions are on the arms or legs, wearing loose breathable full-length pants or shirts will further reduce the chances of spread of infection. Do not cover the ringworm rash with Band-Aid as that can worsen the infection.
It is usually recommended that one can take part in contact sports 72 hours after starting treatment.
Your rash may clear up quickly, however, keep using your treatment or the ringworm can come back.
To be completely free of any fungal spores, one has to complete a full course of treatment.
How long does ringworm live on surfaces?
If the fungal spores get the right environment for growth (warm and humid areas), they can survive on surfaces for 12 to 20 months.
That is almost 2 years! So, it is important to disinfect all the contaminated surfaces to prevent reinfection.
How it spreads?
Yes, ringworm is contagious and the infecting fungus can spread easily in several ways:
By direct contact with infected areas or spots – The fungus can spread from one area to another by touching like ringworm of the scalp may spread to the face if you touch your face after touching an infected spot on the scalp. The fungus can also spread when you come in direct contact with lesions on someone else’s body.
By contaminated surfaces -The fungal spores can spread through clothing, combs, shoes, or any object that comes in direct contact with the ringworm rash.
You can get the ringworm from your pets if they are infected.
Very rarely, you can get it from soil that has fungal spores.
Depending on the area which gets infected, it can have different names and symptoms may be somewhat different. Read more about the symptoms and different types of ringworm here.
How to decrease the spread of infection?
Although one stays contagious to some degree while having ringworm, it is possible to prevent or lower the chances of spreading the ringworm.
Measures to prevent the spread of infection from one part of the body to another:
- Treat the area as instructed by your doctor.
- Keep a separate towel for the infected area and wash it after every use.
- Do not touch normal or uninfected areas after touching the ringworm rash.
- Wear your socks first before other clothes if you have ringworm on your foot.
- Disinfect your shoes to prevent reinfection or infecting other parts of the foot.
Measures to prevent the spread of ringworm to others:
- Do not share your personal items with others. These may include hats, clothes, socks, razors, shoes, nail clippers, etc.
- Wash your bedding every day with hot water and soap as the fungal spores can easily get on it. This will prevent the spread of infection to others.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after touching any infected spots.
- Use an anti-dandruff shampoo if you have ringworm on your scalp. This will not cure it but it will decrease the chances of transmission by reducing the shedding of fungal spores.
Measures to prevent infection from shared areas:
- Wipe the gym equipment or sports gear.
- Wear shoes or slippers in common areas.
- Wear breathable full-length clothes to cover any infected areas.
Measures to prevent the spread of infection from pets to humans:
- Get your pet treated by a veterinary doctor.
- Wash your hands after touching and grooming them.
- Vacuum frequently and mop the house as the pets can shed hair which may have fungal spores.
Key points
Being contagious means, you can spread the infection to others. Ringworm is a very contagious infection caused by fungi.
If the right treatment is started for ringworm, a person becomes a lot less contagious and usually does not spread the fungus after 48 hours. The fungal spores are completely eliminated once the full course of treatment is completed.
Stopping the treatment too early can lead to the reappearance of ringworm rash. If your rash does not improve with the treatment, you should see your doctor as you may need another antifungal medication or oral medication.
Read more:
- Ringworm: Facts and FAQs
- Stages of Ringworm Healing
- How Long does Ringworm Last?
- Home Remedies for Ringworm: How to treat it at home naturally?
- Ringworm on Hands and Fingers: Tinea Manuum
- 8 Rashes That Look Like Ringworm But Aren’t (With Pictures)
References
- Ringworm. Seattle Children’s . Link: https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/ringworm/
- Spickler, Anna Rovid. 2013. Dermatophytosis (pdf).
- Kuruvella T, Pandey S. Tinea Barbae. [Updated 2022 Sep 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.