What are the symptoms of ringworm?

This is what ringworm looks like:

• A circular rash with skin flakes appears on the skin, forming a spot about one centimetre in size. There is a darker ring around the outside of the spot.
• The ring around the spot is slightly raised and reddened, and may start to flake. Sometimes there are pimples on it.
• The spots gradually double in size and may be itchy.
• The spots may become raised and start leaking fluids.
• The spots can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp under the hair. If the fungus has infected the scalp, the hairs will break off, causing a bald spot. If the spots on the scalp are not treated, hair may not grow back.
• After a while, the area in the middle of the spot becomes lighter in colour and heals. The spots often disappear on their own, but this can take a long time.

In people with weakened immune systems, the fungus can often penetrate deeper into the skin. This can cause serious and painful skin inflammation.

Animals can also have ringworm, mainly affecting young animals. In animals, the spots look different:

• Most ringworm spots are red and round, with a clear edge.
• Often there are also greyish scales or scabs and hair loss at the site of the fungus.
• Cattle and horses do not usually experience itching. Cats and dogs do.

How does ringworm spread?

Humans and animals can infect each other with ringworm. The fungus is found on the skin, hair and skin flakes of a human or animal affected with ringworm. Many people and animals are carriers of the fungus without showing any symptoms. That means that they could infect others without even knowing it.

The fungus can penetrate particularly well into wet, soft or damaged skin. This can also happen through environmental exposure. Examples include contact with clothing, horse blankets, saddles or a dog basket. After the fungus has penetrated the skin, it takes an average of two to three weeks for ringworm to become visible.

How can I prevent ringworm?

It is difficult to prevent ringworm. What should you do if a person or animal has ringworm?

• Visit your GP or vet for treatment with ointment or tablets.
• Wear only your own clothes, cap, hat or headscarf.
• Use only your own comb and other hair care items. Teach this to your children as well.
• Clean combs, hairbrushes and clippers thoroughly after use, preferably with 70% alcohol. This is available at your local chemist/drugstore.
• Wipe down tables, chair backs and floors with a damp cloth, then dry them.
• Wash fancy dress clothes and soft toys at 60 degrees.
• Do not allow children to wear fancy dress until everyone’s symptoms have subsided.
• Regularly wash your hands well with soap and water, including after touching animals.
• If possible, isolate animals that have ringworm.
• Do not use materials such as brushes and blankets for multiple animals. 

It is also important to pay attention to the following things:

• Is your pet developing bald patches in its coat? Is it scratching a lot? If so, take your animal to the vet. The vet can check whether the animal has contracted a fungal infection. The pet can get treatment for that.
• Is anyone else in the family experiencing symptoms? Go to your GP.

Is there any treatment for ringworm?

Ringworm can be treated effectively with ointment or tablets, which can be prescribed by your GP. Complete the entire course of treatment, even if the symptoms have already disappeared. If you are using ointment, continue to apply it until one week after there are no longer any visible marks on the skin. If the treatment is too short, the fungus may survive and symptoms could return.

How common is ringworm in the Netherlands?

Ringworm is a zoonosis: a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is the most common zoonosis that is not transmitted through food. Ringworm is found worldwide. Young children who have close contact with a cat or dog can easily become infected.

This fungal infection is also very common among livestock farmers and veterinarians. Approximately half of people working in these professions say they have had a fungal infection one or more times. The condition is common in tropical regions, especially where people and animals live in close proximity.

Can a person with ringworm go to childcare, school or work?

If a child is being treated with ointment or pills prescribed by their GP, then they can go to childcare or school. Ringworm is already contagious before a person starts showing symptoms. Staying home does not help prevent others from becoming ill.

If your child has ringworm, inform the childcare provider or teacher. They can consult with the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) to notify other parents. If parents know, they can be alert to the symptoms of ringworm in their child. Precautionary measures at the childcare centre or school may sometimes be needed.

If the adult is being treated for ringworm, they can go to work as usual.