Skin and fungal conditionsCan affect people
Ringworm
Also called Dermatophytosis
A fungal infection of the hair, skin and nails that causes round, scaly, hairless patches. It spreads between animals and to people.
Cause and spread
- Cause
- Dermatophyte fungi such as Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum.
- How it spreads
- By contact with fungal spores on infected animals, bedding, grooming tools and surroundings. Most animal ringworm fungi can infect people.
- People
- Ringworm spreads to people, especially children. Wear gloves, wash your hands and treat the animal and its surroundings.
Signs to watch for
- Round or irregular hairless, scaly patches
- Redness and crusting at the edges, sometimes clearing in the centre
- Broken hairs
- Mild itching in some animals
- Often on the face, ears, legs and tail
Many diseases look alike. Only a laboratory test can tell them apart, so please see a veterinarian for any sick animal.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis uses the history, examination, a microscope look at skin scrapings and hair, and fungal culture. Some fungi glow under a Wood's lamp, but not all do.
- Usually the first testSkin Scraping ExaminationLooks at scrapings and hairs under the microscope.
- Usually the first testSkin Panel (panel)Skin scraping, cytology and fungal culture together.
- Confirms the diseaseFungal Culture and Sensitivity (panel)Grows the fungus and shows which antifungal medicines work.
Prevention and control
- Treat infected animals and clean and disinfect bedding and surroundings
- Limit contact with infected animals and wear gloves and protective clothing when handling them
- Isolate new animals until they are checked
Where this information comes from
- Dermatophytosis (factsheet) · Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University
General information for animal owners and veterinarians, last checked October 2026. It does not replace the advice of your veterinarian, who should decide which tests and treatment your animal needs.