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A shallow fungal infection of the skin.
Small raised area spreads, leaving scaly patches for temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily.
Time from contact until development of signs and symptoms: 10-14 days (scalp), 4-10 days (body).
Ringworm is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or by indirect contact with infected animals (dog, cat, pet mice) or by wearing infected clothing, hats, or using toilet articles (i.e., combs, brushes) of an infected person.
Cleanliness of hair, scalp and body. Education about the importance of personal hygiene and the danger of acquiring infection from dogs, cats, and other animals. Frequent hand washing, including thorough drying. Fungi grow in damp areas. Using Universal/Standard Precautions is effective. Proper laundering of clothing is also important.
Greatest incidence is among children from five to twelve years of age. Lasts as long as the lesions are present and viable spores persist on any contaminated articles.
12/31/24 9:40 PM