Question 1

how do people get ringworm?

Accepted Answer

Fungus: It is caused by a fungus that gets into the top layers of skin.  It is not a systemic infection, it is just in the skin.  The offending types of fungi are found in the soil, on pets, and on other people, just to name a few!

Question 2

how did my baby get ringworm?

Accepted Answer

Direct contact: Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. The typical skin lesion of ringworm is round and scaly, and it is itchy. Your baby can get ringworm if he or she touches the lesion in someone who has ringworm, or if they touch a toy or an object or an animal that has the fungus.

Question 3

is it true that you can get a ringworm from dirt?

Accepted Answer

Ringworn - yes.: Ringworm isn't a worm; it's a fungal infection of the skin that results in a red circular rash with darker red around the edge of it, giving the appearance of a worm.  So you don't get "a ringworm"; you get ringworm.  And yes, if dirt gets under the skin through a cut or scrape, and contains the ringworm fungus, it can cause ringworm.  An antifungal cream should clear up most cases.

Question 4

does a child get ringworm most often from people or from pets?

Accepted Answer

Do not know: Both are potential sources of the dermatophyte (skin fungus) responsible for ringworm.  What difference would it make to know which occurs more commonly?   Have tried to find if a study has been done, but could not locate this.  It would be exceptionally difficult to do, because proving where people get this from is nearly impossible under most circumstances.

Question 5

what's the youngest age a kid can get a ringworm that looks like a ring?

Accepted Answer

No age limit: It is a skin infection...Do not think there are age limits on this.

Question 6

what happens if someone has ringworm and they touch you, do you automatically get it?

Accepted Answer

No: Fungal infections don't automatically spread with brief touch, especially if your skin is intact.

Question 7

what is the easiest way to get rid of ringworm?

Accepted Answer

Ringworm: Topical antifungal medications are usually fine for mild skin infections. More severe infections may require several weeks of of oral antifungal medications.

Question 8

how can a 3 month old get ringworm?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can!: Ringworm (which is actually caused by a fungus, not a worm) can occur at any age, and is spread from contact with someone who has it. If that's what your baby has, using an otc antifungal ointment on it 3 times daily should help. Use it until the skin is completely healed. If this doesn't help, please see your baby's doctor because there are other things that can look the same.

Question 9

will you get ringworm from swimming?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Ringworm or tinea is caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte. It lives on human and animal skin. It prefers moist areas of skin, but can grow anywhere on the body. It can be acquired by direct contact with infected skin of animals or humans. The dermatophyte does not live in water so it is unlikely that you would get it from swimming.

Question 10

can i get ringworm from trying on pair of sunglasses inside a store?

Accepted Answer

: Exceedingly unlikely, probably no risk at all.

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Is it true that you can get a ringworm from dirt?

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Does a child get ringworm most often from people or from pets?

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What's the youngest age a kid can get a ringworm that looks like a ring?

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What happens if someone has ringworm and they touch you, do you automatically get it?

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What is the easiest way to get rid of ringworm?

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How can a 3 month old get ringworm?

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Will you get ringworm from swimming?

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Can i get ringworm from trying on pair of sunglasses inside a store?

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