Can humans get skin fungus from dogs and cats?

Some scientific studies show that interacting with pets can create positive neurological changes. Positive interactions such as hugging and petting can help pet lovers increase the concentration of feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin in the brain, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Therefore, raising dogs and cats can help pet lovers improve depression, anxiety and stress. However, there is a risk that when hugging or petting dogs and cats infected with skin fungus, humans can be infected.

Dogs and cats infected with ringworm can be transmitted to humans.

One of the most common skin diseases is ringworm, which is caused by fungi such as trichophyton, microsporum and epidermophyton. Warm and moist environments stimulate the growth of ringworm. This is a type of skin fungus that is easily spread by contact.

Ringworm initially appears on the skin as small, round, coin-shaped bumps. These spots become visible on the skin 4-14 days after exposure to the fungus. The disease causes itching and discomfort and can appear on many different parts of the body such as the hands, feet, groin, thighs and scalp.

People who frequently play sports and use public showers and locker rooms are at higher risk of developing ringworm. This fungal skin infection can also affect people with weakened immune systems or autoimmune diseases.

In cases where ringworm is transmitted from dogs or cats to humans, the main cause is the fungus Microsporum canis (M. canis). Research shows that families with dogs or cats are at higher risk of transmitting M. canis to each other. Although anyone can get ringworm, the elderly and children are at highest risk due to weaker immune systems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says humans can get ringworm by touching the fur or skin of an infected animal. Surfaces that frequently come into contact with the skin, such as blankets and toys, can harbor the fungus for months and become a medium for infection.

Some breeds of dogs and cats are more susceptible to ringworm than others. For dogs, this includes Yorkshire terriers, Boston terriers, and Jack Russells. Meanwhile, cats that are susceptible to ringworm include Persians and Himalayan cats.

Ringworm usually appears on the face, ears, tail and paws of dogs, while in cats it usually appears on the head, chest, front legs and back. If you see your pet has ringworm, you should take them to the vet for treatment as soon as possible.

When handling dogs or cats with ringworm, wear gloves, long sleeves, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. People with weakened immune systems should not touch any pets with ringworm. Disinfecting and vacuuming objects, surfaces, and areas in your home that your pet frequently touches will help prevent the spread of ringworm, according to Healthline .

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