A 40-year-old member asked:
Is it true that you can get a ringworm from dirt?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Susan Wingoanswered
Endocrinology 35 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Peter Wintersanswered
Dermatology 58 years experience
Yes: Many fungi reside in the ground, they vary from locale to locale.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
If you play in dirt can you get a ringworm?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Flinchbaughanswered
Family Medicine 32 years experience
Yes: Exposure to contaminated soil
may result in ringworm. No way to tell if the soil is infected so simply best to wash off after exposure. Hope this helps.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 2, 2019
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