# Ringworm
## What is Ringworm?
Ringworm, despite its misleading name, is actually not a worm at all--it is a *fungal infection of the skin and hair.* This pesky fungus preys on the young and immunocompromised, putting kittens at a high risk of infection when exposed.
Ringworm spores unfortunately lives just about everywhere, but particularly in warm, humid environments. The microscopic spores live in the soil, so when outside, the spores can attach themselves to skin, fur, hair, even clothing and then set up shop in hair follicles. The fungus gets its nutrients from keratin (which is a protein found in hair, skin, and nails), so these are the areas they most attack.
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NOTE: Ringworm can affect humans as well as other cats and dogs, please be very careful when treating ringworm, but do not be fearful.
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## How to Spot Ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection that typically presents as circular patchy lesions, often seen around the ears, nose, mouth, and paws.
The ‘classic ringworm lesion’ is a rapidly expanding circular or irregular patch of inflammed, scaly skin with hair loss
The circular shape **may** have a small ring around the area, about the width of a worm (hence “ringworm”), although most time you will not see a ring.
The skin around the infected area also becomes dry, itchy, and flaky, so if your cat is scratching frequently and for a long period of time, check the spots they are scratching.
Ringworm also causes hair loss, so check for little bald patches, or even dull and stubby patches within your cat’s fur. (Refer to the images below of little Roxie when she came into care).
So, the signs of ringworm to look out for are:
* Reddish ring on the skin (though a ring doesn’t always appear!)
* Over scratching in the same areas
* Rough and bumpy feeling skin
* Bald patches in the fur
* Dull and stubby patches of fur
## Using a black or wood light to spot spores
If you have a black light or wood lamp this can help identify areas of spores, focus on the bottom of the ears, paws and between the toes. These lights will show the spores are bright apple green , but remember this is just a tool to help identify areas to focus on.
Use caution with the black light method, as not all strains of ringworm will glow, and some things will glow that are not ringworm, like certain food residue and fibres.
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The best method of diagnosis is a fungal culture at the vet. Although at Furry Friends we err on the side of caution and start topical treatments immediately as culture tests can take three weeks as they have to develop the cultures.
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## Greencross Vets Reference
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## Furry Friends Treatment Protocols
{% content-ref url="../arrival/intake-treatments/malaseb-bath" %}
[malaseb-bath](https://furry-friends.gitbook.io/furry-friends-foster-carers-resources/arrival/intake-treatments/malaseb-bath)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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