Where does ringworm come from?

Is ringworm a dermatophyte?

known as a dermatophyte. In cats, about 98% of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis. The fungus is spread easily in the environment and often infects people.

What does ringworm look like on a cat with dermatophytes?

In many cats, dermatophytes cause a mild, self-limiting infection with hair loss and scaling. The typical presentation of ringworm in cats is regular and circular alopecia, with hair breakage, desquamation and sometimes an erythematous margin and central healing (Chermette et al., 2008; Moriello and DeBoer, 2012).

What is ringworm in dogs?

Ringworm, or “dermatophytosis”, is a fungal infection affecting the skin, hair and occasionally nails of animals (and people). Three species of ringworm fungus most commonly affect cats and dogs:

What is the pathophysiology of ringworm?

A group of fungi called dermatophytes cause ringworm; hence the medical term “dermatophytosis” for the condition. These fungi feed on the keratin that is found in the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Ringworm infections can occur in humans and in all domesticated species of animals.

Is ringworm a fungal infection in dogs?

Despite its name, however, ringworm is not actually a worm—it is a fungus. This fungal infection is common all over the world and infects almost all species of domestic animals, including dogs, which is why dog owners should know the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ringworm.

What kind of disease can a dog get from heartworm?

Heartworm Disease in Dogs Heartworm Infection in Cats Helicobacter Infection in Dogs and Cats Hemangioma in Dogs and Cats Hemangiosarcoma is Blood or Skin Cancer in Dogs and Cats Hemivertebrae are Congenitally Deformed Vertebra in Dogs and Cats Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs and Cats Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease) in Cats

What is the pathophysiology of ringworm of the scalp?

Therefore, the hair grows normally but breaks easily near the skin surface resulting in hair loss. Several metabolic products of the fungus may induce an inflammatory response in the skin and may be observed mainly around the infected area forming sometimes ring-like lesions with central areas of healing and papules on the periphery (“ringworm”).

Can a cat get ringworm from a dog?

As with dogs, ringworm in cats is acquired through direct contact with the spores of the fungus. These may be present in the soil, on the skin of an infected animal or person, or on a contaminated object or surface. The fungi that cause ringworm are commonly found on cats. The spores can be present on a cat even when it shows no symptoms.

What are the symptoms of ringworm in dogs?

Knowing the symptoms of ringworm in dogs can help you catch the disease before it passes to humans or other pets. In dogs, ringworm usually presents as circular areas of hair loss throughout the body. These lesions may start to heal in the center as they enlarge, creating a patchy appearance, and may become inflamed or scabbed.

What type of fungi causes ringworm?

A group of fungi called dermatophytes cause ringworm; hence the medical term “dermatophytosis” for the condition. These fungi feed on the keratin that is found in the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails.

What is ringworm of the scalp?

Ringworm of the scalp is not really a worm, but a fungal infection. It gets the name ringworm because the fungus makes circular marks on the skin, often with flat centers and raised borders. Also called Tinea capitis, this infection affects your scalp and hair shafts, causing small patches of itchy, scaly skin.

How is Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) treated?

Also helpful in the treatment of tinea capitis is the use of shampoos that contain ketoconazole or sele- nium sulfide.

Can a dog have ringworm with no symptoms?

The good news is, ringworm is relatively easy to spot when there are symptoms. The bad news is, some dogs have no symptoms at all and just harbour the infection to spread to others. But if your dog displays the following symptoms, they could well have ringworm.

What are the symptoms of wingworm in dogs and cats?

Scaling, crusting, thickening and reddening of the skin Circular patches of hair loss (alopecia) on the head, tail or the ridge of the dog or cat’s back If you suspect wingworm in your dog or cat, it’s important to go straight to your vet, as diagnosis often requires a thorough clinical examination and testing.

What does ringworm look like on a dog with hair loss?

Ringworm in dogs often appears as round patches of hair loss, often occurring on a dog’s head, paws, ears, and forelegs. Hair loss occurs because the fungi infect the hair follicles, causing them to become fragile and to break off easily at the skin line.

What are the symptoms of ringworm in cats?

Symptoms and Types of Ringworm Symptoms affecting your cats can include a collection of dead skin cells. This cell collection can lead to: dandruff (scales); poor hair coat with irritated and reddened skin (erythema); darkened skin (hyperpigmentation); itchiness (pruritus); and hair loss (alopecia), which may be patchy or circular.

How do vets diagnose ringworm in dogs?

Your vet will diagnose your dog with ringworm by performing a diagnostic test, as well as a physical exam. He will probably take a sample of hair or skin cells for a fungal culture or examine infected hairs under a special ultraviolet light called a Wood’s lamp.

How to tell if your cat has ringworm?

Ringworm can be challenging to detect in cats, since the lesions of ringworm may be very mild or even undetectable. Ringworm fungi feed on the keratin that is found in the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails. A ’cigarette ash’ scaling in the depths of the coat may be the only visible indicator of ringworm infection in cats.

Why does my cat have a ring on his skin?

Ringworm is a skin infection that can affect cats, humans, and other pets. This skin irritation often looks like a ring on your cat. Your vet can prescribe a ringworm medication that’s appropriate for your cat.

Where do ringworm infections appear and what causes them?

It is not caused by a worm, but by a fungus and is named for the ring-like or circular appearance of the infection on the skin. Where Do Ringworm Infections Appear? Fungal organisms known as dermatophytes superficially infect certain types of tissue found in hair, skin, and nails.

Can an antifungal shampoo help tinea capitis?

Although the most important treatment for tinea capitis is oral antifungal medications, an antifungal shampoo is typically prescribed (for the patient and their family members) to decrease the spread of the fungus. 3 What actions should I take if I or any member of my family have been diagnosed with tinea capitis?

What is the best treatment for scalp ringworm?

Daily oral griseofulvin in combination with medicated shampoo has been the most common treatment of scalp ringworm over the last several decades. Generally, this combination is successful, but new antifungal drugs are being studied due to increasing resistance to griseofulvin and the desire for faster treatment.