What does ringworm look like?
Possible signs include circular or irregular hair loss, scaling, crusts, broken hairs, and mild to moderate itch. Lesions commonly affect the face, ears, and limbs, but appearance varies widely.
How is it diagnosed?
Veterinarians may use Wood’s lamp examination, microscopic hair evaluation, fungal culture, or PCR. No single visual sign is reliable enough to diagnose every case.
Why environmental cleaning matters
Infective spores can contaminate hair, bedding, furniture, carriers, and grooming equipment. Treatment often combines systemic antifungal medication, topical therapy, and repeated environmental cleaning until the infection is cleared.
Protecting people
Wash hands after handling an affected animal, limit close contact during treatment, clean contaminated surfaces, and seek medical advice for suspicious skin lesions in people. Children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals may deserve additional caution.