Ringworm is caused by fungi

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. Different dermatophytes can affect skin, scalp and nails. A circular lesion may provide a clue but does not confirm the diagnosis by itself. Nor is every irritation beneath gloves or footwear fungal: occupational contact dermatitis has causes and measures that must be distinguished through appropriate assessment of the skin and exposure history.

How transmission can occur between people

Direct contact with infected skin and sharing towels, combs, clothing or equipment can support transmission. Shared surfaces matter in sports facilities, changing rooms and showers. Assess cleaning, drying and movement of objects rather than only whether someone has visible lesions. Include loaned items and communal equipment passed from one user to another, as these routes can be missed by a room-cleaning schedule alone.

Animal contact needs context

Some dermatophytoses can spread from animals. Veterinary staff, animal carers and other close-contact workers should report suspicious lesions and coordinate animal assessment with a veterinarian. Do not diagnose from a patch of missing fur or independently treat the animal. Barriers, hand hygiene and textile handling should reflect the contact and procedure, including the cleaning tasks performed after the animal has been examined or moved.

Hygiene without sharing personal items

Keep skin clean and dry and organise clothing and textile laundering according to use. Avoid sharing towels, combs or personal garments. Suitable footwear in showers and changing rooms helps reduce surface contact. At work, check whether persistent moisture inside clothing or footwear calls for better drying, replacement or compatibility between equipment and the task. Hygiene arrangements should be feasible throughout the shift, not only at its end.

Cleaning and assessment of lesions

Clean and disinfect shared equipment with procedures appropriate to the material and following product instructions. Never mix cleaners. Persistent or spreading lesions need healthcare assessment, particularly with scalp involvement or individual vulnerability. This article does not prescribe antifungals or automatically determine exclusion or fitness: such measures depend on the clinical situation and the work. Prompt assessment can clarify what precautions are actually needed.

Investigate possible clusters

When several cases occur, review shared objects, laundering, surfaces and animal contacts while preserving confidentiality. Do not attribute every case to the changing room without examining other exposures. The response should correct the identified route and verify that procedures operate between users and shifts as well. Explaining prevention is more useful than identifying one person as responsible without evidence or discouraging staff from reporting symptoms.