Ringworm is difficult to prevent because the fungus causing ringworm is common and contagious. However, there are a number of things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting infected or to prevent the further spread of a ringworm infection if you’re already suffering from one.
- Follow proper hygiene measures such as washing your hands regularly to avoid the spread of your infection and keeping shared areas clean (such as in schools, child care centers, gyms, locker rooms)
- Avoid touching your infected areas
- Avoid humidity and warmth: try to stay cool and dry and to avoid excessive sweating
- Get your pets checked for ringworm by your vet, and stay away from infected animals – ringworm in animals looks like a patch of missing fur
- Avoid using other people’s clothing, towels or hairbrushes, and do not let others use your personal items if you or someone close to you is suffering from a ringworm infection
- If you or someone close to you is suffering from a ringworm infection, educate them on the risk of ringworm including what it is, what to watch for and how to avoid it
Regular exfoliation (for example, with a clean wash cloth) gets rid of dead skin and helps prevent ringworm by depriving the fungus of its food source.