is ring-worm really a worm?

Question

if it is thats hella sick

Answer 1

Ringworm is an infection of the skin. The common name, "ringworm", is somewhat confusing since the disease is NOT caused by a worm, but rather by one of several species of fungi. The medical term for infection is "dermatophytosis". Causative fungi are sometimes found as normal inhabitants of soil. However, more often than not, contaminated households, kennels and catteries readily serve as sources of infection, as decontamination of these areas can be extremely difficult. Some infections can be spread from a single animal to another animal or rarely, to a human. The disease itself has a very low mortality but in ill-thrifty animals, invasion of the compromised outer skin layers by other organisms is possible and severe illness may ensue. Ringworm is the most common infectious skin disease of cats.


The fungus that causes Ringworm can be cultured from the hair coats of normal dogs and cats. These pets might be carriers of the disease to other pets along with people. We tend to see the problem more in young animals.

People will sometimes pick up a case of Ringworm from their pet, but just because a pet has Ringworm does not necessarily mean that the people that interact with that pet will develop the problem. A dog or cat can transmit Ringworm to a person without showing any symptoms at all.

Answer 2

Nope, it is a luvverly and very infectious fungus, cream available from doctor (for you if you get it from your pet/other person) and from the vet (for your pet, obviously).

If your animal has ringworm (it's very easily transmitted and isn't a reflection on you or the way you look after your pet) then just be careful not to touch other people's pets until your pet's (and yours if you've got it too) is all cleared up.

I got it once when I was a child as someone brought a pony with ringworm to ponyclub - the entire pony club, their families, everyone's ponies and half their schools all got it - its virulent and itchy but at least easily cleared up!

Answer 3

It a fungal infection and you can see it by putting a black-light near allegedly infected critter. Ringworm glows.

Answer 4

Of course my dear.. Plz eradicate 'em.. They're dangerous for your health..

Answer 5

ringworm is actually a very contagious type of fungal infection

Answer 6

Nope, its a fungus. And it is contagious, so if your pet has it, be careful handling it. You can get it too.

Answer 7

no it's a form of fungi

Answer 8

yes, and it's very contagious

Answer 9

yup

Answer 10

no it's a fungus