Ringworm
and Animals
What
is ringworm?
Ringworm
is a skin and scalp disease caused by several different kinds of fungi.
Ringworm on the scalp usually makes a bald patch of scaly skin. People
with ringworm on other parts of their skin can have a ring-shaped rash
that is reddish and may be itchy. The rash can be dry and scaly or wet
and crusty.
Can animals
transmit ringworm to me?
Yes, many
different kinds of animals can transmit ringworm to people. Ringworm is
transmitted from direct contact with an infected animal's skin or hair.
Dogs and cats, especially kittens or puppies, can have ringworm that can
be passed to people. Cows, goats, pigs, and horses can pass ringworm to
people too. People can also get ringworm from other people and their personal
items.
For more
information about ringworm, please visit the ringworm
page at the National Institute of Health.