Ringworm

Question: What does a ringworm look like on a puppy? I found a sore on the back of my puppies leg and I took her to the vet and they told me it was a ringworm. I googled it and what's on her leg looks nothing like a ringworm. It has a scab over it and it has hair on it too it's not bold like the pictures i saw but I still got the cream. I don't think it's a ringworm but I'm not sure.

Answer: Ringworm is a fungus, and not in any way a worm. It usually makes a circular sore, which has hair loss. However, in early stages, it still has some hair, scabs and won't necessarily be hairless. ..So, likely the infection on your puppy has not progressed to balding the spot. I hope the vet told you it was contagious to humans and cats..Always wash your hands well after applying the cream, or wear gloves. It is the same kind of fungus that causes Athlete's foot and Jock itch..

Question: How soon does ringworm infection show symptoms? My kitty and my family members have been exposed to a kitten with ringworm infection for 1 to 2 days, how long will my kitty and humans show symptoms if infected and what is the typical symtoms? Is itching a first sign? If my cat does not show symptoms, could it be possible she still is the carrier and can transmit to others? Do I need to treat a cat not showing symptoms? What is the best way to treat it? Thank you all!

Answer: Since ringworm is a fungus, it will spread at varying rates. More than likely though, your kitty would start to show signs within a week. Look for circular spots that look like dry skin, or reddish in color. If you think that the fungus has indeed been transferred to your household, the first step is to control it. The vet is always an option, but the costs of "diagnosis" are pretty high. They test hairs from your pet to see if the fungus is detectable, and only then will they prescribe medication. If you are interested in trying the home remedy first (there are 30+ types of ringworm, but the majority are easily taken care of)... here is a good article about using iodine to kill the fungus: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/833833/how_to_free_your_pet_from_ringworm.html?cat=53 Even better, all the supplies are available at your local Walmart, pet store, or drug store. It will cost you about $5, rather than the hundreds at the vet. Good luck!

Question: How long before ringworm infection starts to visibly improve? For anyone who's had a cat with ringworm - how long did it take after you started treating it before you saw improvement in your kitty's condition? And what kind of treatment did you use? I've been treating my kitten for about a week with topical Miconazole pledgets from the vet and if anything he looks worse... :( It's definitely ringworm. Diagnosed with a UV light and a culture.

Answer: It took a full month to clear up but hair growth started within a week. The important thing is DO NOT scrub the area, that only spreds the spores and makes things worse. Dab the cream on and lightly blend it in at the edges of the spot. Two times a day, or three, and don't worry about cream buildup, you can pick off the drier stuff but don't wash it off or rub with the washcloth or rag. Keep doing the dabs. Sunlight on the area helps kill the spores too. Cats clear up faster than humans, it took me 2 months to get rid of the spot mine gave me on my leg.

Question: How can i clear up ringworm on my cat without going to the vet? My daughter has ringworm along with my cats. The doc told us to use any antifungal cream on her. Is it safe to use Antifungal cream on the cats too?

Answer: Ringworm is often a self-limiting disease in healthy animals. If you have other pets, isolate the one with ringworm. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Did I say vacuum? Throw the bag away each time. Use 10% bleach on any surface you can. VERY hot water and Virkon (from an ag supply shop) on anything that is not bleach-safe. Bathe your cat in Nizoral antifungal dandruff shampoo. Do not scrub the fur. Just pat it on and leave it on as long as you possibly can. After, dip the cat in 1 part lyme sulfur or Lyme Dip (ask your vet or pet store) mixed in 16 parts water. Let dry on the cat, stick her in the shower while she dries. Keep her from licking; use an Elizabethan collar. It will stink like rotten eggs but fades as it dries. Ideally, use an oral antifungal like Diflucan on the cat. On your daughter, bathe in Nizoral and use athletes foot/yeast cream. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Good luck. It isn't deadly,but its a nasty job. Your home will never be so clean again. Good thing its spring. ;-) More reading: http://www.showcatsonline.com/x/ringworm_battle_plan.htm

Question: What is the lifespan of a ringworm and what is the fastest way to treat it? I have a 5yr old and she possibly has a ringworm which i've been medicating but it seems like it is not going away.

Answer: i dont think there is a life span, it will just keep getting bigger and bigger. when i was in wrestling in high school i got numerous ringworm. it was horrible. but there is over the counter medicine that worked just fine. be sure they dont touch it (use band aid to cover) because it can easily spread. Tinactin did nothing for me, i tried for months thinking it would get better, but nothing.... i actually used something that started with an M (sorry it has been awhile) and it worked very fast. I know it is very popular and you can get it at any drug store.... hope this helped

Question: anyway that i can rid my apartment of the ringworm spores? just realized two days ago that i contracted ringworm from and adopted cat, needless to say we do not have him anymore, is there anyway that i can rid my apartment of the ringworm spores, i do wash the sheets everyday and also i was thinking about getting an air purifier,,,,,,any other suggestions? oh ya thats so funny, serious answers only please

Answer: See your doctor, asap.

Question: How do you get rid of ringworm in kittens? Is there another way besides giving them medicine? or putting it on them. I have several kittens and would like to give them away but they all have ringworm.

Answer: Because ringworm is very contageus -- not deadly, just very annoying -- to other animals and humans, it is the ethical things to do to treat the kittens. If you place them into homes while they still carry the fungus, you will infect other homes. Its a lot of work to clean up. Lots of cleaning and bathing. Your home may not be rid of ringworm for six months. You will not know that it is gone until every animal in your house has been tested negative TWICE. Isn't breeding fun? LOL http://www.showcatsonline.com/x/ringworm_battle_plan.htm Please do not take these kittens to a shelter. They will infect the people and pets there and could shut down their adoptions. These kittens are your responsibility. Without medication and just lots of cleaning, bathing and dipping -- ie. WORK -- healthy cats will self-rid of this contition in time. That may be what you have to do if you cannot afford the expensive meds. Ringworm is often a self-limiting disease in healthy animals. If you have other pets, isolate the one with ringworm. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Did I say vacuum? Throw the bag away each time. Use 10% bleach on any surface you can. VERY hot water and Virkon (from an ag supply shop) on anything that is not bleach-safe. A steam cleaner that reaches 200 degrees -- can you borrow or rent one? -- is a lifesaver and fungus killer. Bathe your cat sin Nizoral antifungal dandruff shampoo. Do not scrub the fur. Just pat it on and leave it on as long as you possibly can. After, dip the cat in 1 part lyme sulfur or Lyme Dip (ask your vet or pet store) mixed in 16 parts water. Let dry on the cat, stick her in the shower while she dries. Keep her from licking; use an Elizabethan collar. It will stink like rotten eggs but fades as it dries. On your human family bathe in Nizoral and use athletes foot/yeast cream on any spots. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Good luck. It isn't deadly,but its a nasty job. Your home will never be so clean again.

Question: How do I get rid of ringworm on things I cant bleach? My cat keeps getting ringworm, my vet thinks hes a carrier. He keeps giving it to me and I think he may get it from cat stands and bedding that cant be bleached and are hard clean.

Answer: You may just need to get rid of the unbleachable items and start fresh.

Question: Is ringworm raised or flat? What are some ways to cure it? My horse has a single raised circle on her back, she's had it for about 3 weeks and it is the only spot to appear. It looks and feels like a scap but it is in a perfect, raised, circle. If not ringworm what are some other possibilities of what it might be?

Answer: Ringworm is usually raised red bumps in the shape of a circle or semi-circle. (The circle doesn't always make a 'ring'.) The inside of the ring is usually smooth, but will sometimes look very dry and scaly. It doesn't sound like you're too worried... and that's a good thing! Ringworm is nothing to worry about at all, as it's just a fungus that really is harmless to the animal itself. The vet will probably tell you to just put an anit-fungal cream on the area for about 3 weeks, and then it should be just fine. Good luck!

Question: How can I get ringworm out of my house? We have been battling ringworm on my cat for about 7 months. Sometimes he goes 2 months with none. He has taken fulvicin and had antifungal baths. I have bleached what I can in my house. I am not throwing out my new furniture or my carpet. I tried cleaning the rugs- even adding a little bleach. I am pregnant and if we don't get rid of it soon my husband says the cat has to go. (We don't want our baby getting it) But who can I get to adopt a cat with ringworm. I need help. What else can I do? I have talked to the vet, they are the ones giving the baths. (and no I don't change the litter box, my husband does) If the spores can live for 18 months, how do I get rid of them? I am not just taking my cat to the shelter, so getting rid of him is not that easy.

Answer: All the washing in the world is not going to spare you the burden of RW. The live spores are now in your air handler, furnace or air conditioning system. Hire a company that cleans air ducts and specifically ask for treatment for ringworm. Better tell them that RW is not a worm but a fungus caused by live spores floating around the house. Make your own anti-fungal shampoo. get some miconazole (the yeast infection medication sold OTC) Then mix with equal parts of antibacterial dish detergent. Put the shampoo on kitty and let it sit on him for at least 8 minutes. ( Put him in a cat carrier for this step) then rinse rinse rinse. Skip the Fulvicin. It is junk. Ask your vet for some ketaconizole. Some vets are worried about distressing the liver with these meds...given properly they do the job quickly. If the vet says *no* change vets. Whether you keep the kitty or not, you now have live spores being sent to every nook and cranny of your home and your new baby is going to get RW with or without kitty being present. My vet always states (as a joke) want to get rid of RW ?...burn the house down. Good luck!

Question: Ringworm!? My Blue Pit Bull got ringworm somehow. She has three quarter sized spots that need to be treated. I tried Tinactin, perscription ointments and I'm treating her with apple cider vinegar twice a day right now. I haven't seen much inprovement with anything and it's been about 4 days now. I'm wondering if there is anything else I can try that might help her heal faster. Any home remedies that I can try would be much appriciated, Thanks.

Answer: Any fungicide such as the tinactin you started will kill it. Rubbing alcohol will also kill it. You just have to apply it two to three times a day for several weeks. It doesn't heal in three or four days.

Question: How do you get rid of persistent ringworm? If you keep getting ringworm and it goes every time you treat with Daktarin or Lamisil but comes back even if you use the cream for a few months. What else can you do to clear it out once and for all? There don't seem to be any other underlying conditions, just sensitive areas of the skin that keep getting it.

Answer: Has it been cultured or diagnosed by a dermatologist? Other conditions closely resemble ringworm. The dog fungus Microsporum canis is the most common. Do you have a dog or cat?

Question: How long after treating a cat for ringworm is it no longer contagious? I have been treating my cat for about a week for ringworm and he has been quarantined. How long before I can let him out to play with the rest of the family?

Answer: At our clinic, we consider a cat ringworm-free when it tests negative twice. This can take a few months of treatment. Ringworm is a fungus and unfortunately, fungus is very hardy! It isn't a plant and isn't an animal. It has traits of both! The trick is to find a drug that kills the fungus but doesn't harm the animal. Our clinic uses a leave-in lotion called Resizole.

Question: What does ringworm on a cat look like? I just rescued a little black stray that was hanging out at my brother's apartment complex. She is really sweet and grateful, and seems healthy (although skinny) except for a few bald spots on her rump and tail. These look just like smooth bald patches and I figured they came from her getting into fights or something, but I want to make sure that she doesn't have ringworm. I don't want me or my roommate to get it! Of course I won't get rid of her if she DOES have ringworm, I just want to know if I should be alarmed or not.

Answer: First off, ring worm is NOT a worm as such. It's a fungal infections (as per first answerer, NOT the second) The only way to know for sure is to take him to the vet and have it tested. The most common area for ringworm to appear is on the ears and face. It often starts off as bald spots, sometimes you'll see a red ring, sometimes it just looks like sores. My cat had it (picked it up in the shelter where i got him) it was mostly on his face. we used a topical antifungal to treat it. vets can also prescribe oral treatment if neccesary. Be aware that ringworm will look worse before it looks better. at one point my cat looked like he'd gone 12 rounds with mike tyson! It is very infectious. That said, neither my wife or I or our other cat caught it which is something of a miracle! if it is ringworm, once you've treated it and it's gone be very dilligent to wash and clean EVERYTHING your cat's been in contact with otherwise you risk it recurring. Take her to the vet. Not a bad idea anyway with a rescued stray. get her totally checked out. Good Luck

Question: How long does it take to treat ringworm in kittens? Okay...I took my 2 feral kittens to the Vet on Friday and was given meds and shampoo for ringworm, stomach bacterial infection and ear mites. How long should I keep them quarantined? What is the best disinfectant to use to clean the bathroom I'm keeping them in (it is carpeted)? No other animals nor people have signs of fungus...but, I'm worried. Please help.

Answer: I have dealt with that problem with my cats, and found it was not as contagious as feared. None of my cats spread it to others, and I didn't get anything from them. Perhaps I was simply lucky. Just take precautions about cleaning items they use to sleep on, etc. By precautions, probably washing them separately with soap and water. I used creams to treat the ringworm, and it was Miconazole. It might take four weeks, applying it to the infected spot. The vet also has a cream packet that you mix with food, and there are two doses given. A bit pricey, but if you have problem getting the medication on the cat, that is one way. Ringworm is a family (tinea) of fungi, and it includes athletes foot.

Question: How can I clean my house to keep ringworm from effecting us? My momma cat and her kittens got ringworm from a farm kitten my husband brought in to save (it was starving), and now it's turned into a disaster! The cat and 6 kittens are at the vet for treatment because I just couldn't get it under control with cream for them, so I'll be paying through the nose for that, but now I need to take care of the house so we don't all get it. I am very upset! What can I do for carpet and furniture? I read to wash what you can with bleach, but I can't do that for carpet and fabric! Will lysol spray kill the fungus???? HELP! HELP! HELP! HELP!

Answer: Use a disinfectant with high levels of phenol. An example is full strength Lysol - not the spray, but the liquid. This is what hospitals use. It doesn't smell great, but the odor goes away soon after cleaning. I remember in microbiology class, we tested many disinfectants, and this one killed everything in less than 3 minutes! Use this to wipe down all surfaces and mop the floor with it too. You'll need to wash all bedding, and yes, I would also spray regular Lysol on the carpet and furniture, or have it professionally cleaned. The possibility that it has spread on a dry surface is very low because fungi does need water/moisture to survive. I would still clean everything very well though. Febreeze is not anti-bacterial spray.