• How do I prevent it?

    Know how it spreads

    The fungi that cause ringworm are very contagious, and the condition is spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or contaminated surfaces such as clothing and bedding.

    To minimise your risk of infection, take good care of your skin. Read on for ways to prevent infection.

    Photo of a group of people running down a jetty, diving into the water at sunset. Happy, no tinea, enjoying life without ringworm.
    How do I prevent it?
  • Do’s and don'ts

    Do’s and don'ts

    When you have ringworm of the body, there are some clear do’s and don'ts that you should keep in mind to ensure that you eliminate the infection as quickly as possible.







     
    Do’s and don'ts
  • Do's

    Do's

    • Do use the anti-fungal treatment for the correct duration. Refer to the product packaging for instructions about length of time needed for the treatment
    • Do look for the anti-fungal treatment that is most appropriate for you. If you feel that you will have difficulty applying a treatment 2–3 times a day for a number of weeks, consider using a product with a shorter treatment duration
    • Do keep your skin clean and dry
    • Do shower after contact sports such as wrestling, football or rugby
    • Do avoid contact with animals that have ringworm. Signs of the infection include flakes of skin on the fur, excessive itching, patchiness and hair loss

     

    • Do keep yourself informed about tinea prevention and good skin hygiene
    • Do seek medical advice if you have a recurring infection or if it does not respond to treatment
    Do’s
  • Don'ts

    Don'ts

    • Don't stop using the anti-fungal treatment as soon as the symptoms disappear. Follow the product instructions
    • Don't try to treat ringworm with just a moisturiser
    • Don't forget that ringworm of the body is a common infection. There is no reason to be embarrassed
    • Don't forget that you can eliminate this infection with proper treatment
    Don'ts
  • More prevention tips

    How can I prevent ringworm?

    You can help prevent ringworm of the body by:

    • Washing yourself daily, with warm water and a gentle soap
    • Drying your skin thoroughly
    • Using talcum powder on your skin to minimise moisture
    • Checking your skin regularly for signs of infection
    • Not sharing towels, clothing, shoes or socks with others
    • Changing your clothing everyday
    • Wearing clothing made of natural, breathable materials such as cotton or wool

     

     

    • Washing dirty socks and underwear in hot water (> 60°C)
    • Washing pet and human bedding in hot water (> 60°C) to kill any fungal spores
    • Washing your hands thoroughly after coming in contact with pets
    • Checking if your pet is a source of infection. Visit your veterinarian for appropriate treatment
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