Ringworm Prevention — Practical steps you can use today

Ringworm is a common skin fungus that spreads by skin-to-skin contact, shared items, or infected pets. You don’t need fancy products to cut the risk — just smart habits. Below are clear, useful steps you can start using now to protect yourself, your family, and your pets.

Daily habits that stop spread

Keep skin clean and dry. Fungi love warm, moist places like between toes, groin folds, and sweaty armpits. After showering, dry those areas well — use a clean towel and consider a hair dryer on low for toes if you sweat a lot.

Wear breathable fabrics. Cotton or moisture-wicking sportswear reduces sweat buildup. Change socks and underwear daily. Swap damp workout clothes immediately after exercise.

Don’t share personal items. Towels, razors, hairbrushes, hats, and sports gear can pass fungus from person to person. If someone in your home has ringworm, give them separate towels and wash those items more often.

Treat early and fully. Over-the-counter antifungal creams like clotrimazole, terbinafine cream, or tolnaftate usually work for skin ringworm. Apply as the package directs and keep using for the full course — even after the rash looks better — to avoid relapse. Scalp ringworm in kids often needs a prescription oral antifungal such as griseofulvin or terbinafine; see a doctor for this.

Cleaning, laundry, gym and pets

Laundry: Wash infected clothing, towels, and sheets separately. Use the warmest water safe for the fabric and run items through a hot dryer. If you can’t wash right away, store used items in a closed bag until you can.

Surfaces: Disinfect hard surfaces (lockers, gym benches, combs, hair tools, floors) with household disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution. Wipe equipment after use, and if you manage a gym or team, set a cleaning routine for shared spaces.

At the gym: Wear flip-flops in communal showers and locker rooms. Use a clean towel on benches and wipe equipment before and after using it. Avoid bare-skin contact with mats or floors used by many people.

Pets: Cats and dogs can carry ringworm. If your pet has patches of hair loss or scaly skin, take it to a vet. Treat both the pet and any infected household members at the same time to stop back-and-forth spread.

When to see a doctor: If an OTC cream doesn’t clear the rash after 2–4 weeks, if the infection is on the scalp, nails, face, or covers a large area, or if you have a weakened immune system, see a healthcare provider. They can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe stronger topical or oral treatment.

Small changes—drying well, not sharing items, cleaning regularly, and treating early—cut the chance of ringworm a lot. Make those habits part of your routine and you’ll lower the risk for yourself and the people around you.