How To Prevent And Treat Ringworm

Don't Share Personal Items And Clothing

Since household items are easily contaminated by fungal infections, doctors suggest patients don't share personal items and clothing. For example, patients should never share clothing with a person known to have ringworm. Even items like jackets, hats, and socks should not be shared. Patients should also avoid sharing bed linens, towels, washcloths, and loofahs with others. Since ringworm can affect the scalp, hairbrushes should not be shared. Patients should not borrow clothing, personal items, or hairbrushes from others. If a shared item has been accidentally used, patients should monitor their skin for signs of ringworm over the next two weeks. Shared items will need to be thrown away as they cannot be properly disinfected. Family members of a patient with ringworm may want to create a separate box for that individual's clothing and personal items, and these should be washed separately.

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