Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 CDC Home Search Health Topics A-Z
Healthy Pets Healthy People


Health Information
Browse by Animal
Browse by Disease
Prevention Tools
For People at Extra Risk
For Health Professionals
Go To...
Glossary
Resources

 

 


Navigation Bar Link to NCID Contact Us page Link to HPHP Home Link to Health Benefits

Ringworm and Animals

Interesting Fact!

Ringworm is not a worm at all. It is a disease caused by a fungus.

 

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.

How can I find out more about ringworm?

Learn more about ringworm from CDC's Web page describing how to prevent ringworm in childcare settings.

Top of page

HPHP Home | Glossary | Contact Us
CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z

This page last reviewed February 14, 2003

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases

Deparment of Health and Human Services

US Department of Health and Human Services