Scary! Can Cat Ringworm Spread to Humans?

Shocking! Ringworm is highly contagious to humans, yet many cat owners are still in the dark about this fact?

Ringworm is a relentless foe for our feline friends, with a high incidence rate among cats. This has led to a popular saying in the catkeeping community: "Nine out of ten cats will have ringworm at some point." Therefore, learning how to combat ringworm is a challenge that every cat parent must face.

However, many new pet owners, upon discovering that their cat has contracted ringworm, focus solely on treating the cat, unaware that they themselves could also be at risk of infection.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a skin disease caused by fungal infection. There are five common fungi identified, including Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton verrucosum, Microsporum audouinii, and Trichophyton rubrum. These fungi can not only infect cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals but also humans.

These fungi can survive in the environment for a long time, even after the cat has ceased to carry the disease, making it possible for humans to contract ringworm from the environment.

✦ More than 90% of ringworm cases in cats are caused by Microsporum canis, a fungus with a strong affinity for animals. This means that most animals will carry some amount of it. Since animals have a unique selfprotective barrier on their skin, the fungus can exist on them without causing disease.

But once Microsporum canis infects humans, it can lead to damage to the skin or hair, posing a threat to human health.

What Are the Symptoms of Human Ringworm Infection?

We are all familiar with the symptoms of ringworm in cats, which typically present as circular or elliptical patches with gray scales, with rough and easily broken or falling hair around them.

So, what are the symptoms of human ringworm infection?

1. Dermatophytosis

After humans are infected with ringworm, they usually develop ringshaped or irregular red patches on the areas of contact, with slightly raised edges and a flat or slightly peeled center. The infected area may have a mild itching sensation, which can sometimes be quite severe.

2. Tinea Capitis

In Italy, 90.5% of tinea capitis cases are caused by Microsporum canis. Symptoms include hair loss, erythematous skin lesions, papules, and sometimes severe itching.

How is Ringworm Spread?

Direct contact: Close contact with a cat infected with ringworm, especially touching the affected areas, is the most common route of transmission.

Indirect contact: Contact with items contaminated with fungal spores, such as cat beds, brushes, and litter boxes, can also lead to infection.

Environmental transmission: Fungal spores can survive in the environment for a long time, so even if the cat no longer carries the bacteria, humans can still be infected from the environment.

How to Treat and Prevent Ringworm

1. Treatment Methods

• For cats: Smallscale infections can be treated with antifungal sprays or ointments, such as Piftek (Tebuconazole Hydrochloride Spray) or Daxatine (Ketoconazole Ointment). For largerscale infections, a combination of oral medication and medicated baths, such as Itraconazole or Copper Sulfate, may be necessary.

• For human patients: Mild infections can also be treated with topical medications, such as Clotrimazole Cream or Ketoconazole Cream. In severe cases, oral antifungal drugs like Terbinafine Hydrochloride or Setaconazole Nitrate may be required, and it is advisable to check liver function before taking them.

2. Prevention Measures

• Personal hygiene: Wear disposable gloves when handling the infected cat and wash your hands thoroughly after contact.

• Environmental cleanliness: Regularly clean and disinfect the cat's daily items and living environment to prevent the spread of fungi.

• Isolation measures: Limit the cat's activity range when ringworm is detected to prevent it from coming into close contact with other pets or family members.

• Boost immunity: People with weak constitutions are more susceptible to ringworm. Therefore, it is important to engage in regular exercise, consume a balanced diet, especially B vitamins and proteins, to maintain a normal level of immunity.