A diagnosis of "ringworm" (dermatophytosis) frightens many pet owners—and for good reason. This fungal disease is contagious to both animals and humans, especially children, people with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

In addition to treating the animal itself, proper disinfection of the home is extremely important—to prevent reinfection.

📌 What you need to know about the pathogen

Ringworm is most commonly caused by fungi of the genera Microsporum and Trichophyton. Their spores:

▫️extremely resilient – they can survive in the environment for up to 18 months (!),
▫️spread via fur, skin flakes, and dust,
▫️easily spread throughout the home (especially in homes with carpets, upholstered furniture, and cats that groom themselves).

Step-by-Step Guide to Disinfecting Your Home for Ringworm

1 Tidy up everything you can—every day

▫️Vacuum the entire surface of the floor, furniture, and carpets, including crevices.
▫️Change the vacuum cleaner bags/containers frequently (ideally, use disposable ones).
▫️Avoid using a broom—it only spreads spores through the air.

2 Wash everything that is washable

▫️Wash bedding, blankets, bedspreads, toys, and clothing at a temperature of at least 60°C.
▫️Add disinfectant additives (for example, oxygen-based or chlorine-based, if the fabric allows).

3 Surface Disinfection

▫️Clean floors, furniture, cages, bowls, trays, doorknobs, and other surfaces.
▫️Products effective against fungi:

- chlorine-based products (1:10 sodium hypochlorite solution),
-  hydrogen peroxide-based solutions with surfactants (e.g., Virkon S, Aniosyme, Clinafarm),
- specialized veterinary disinfectants (e.g., Enilconazole, Fungiconazole).

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions: concentration, exposure time, and ventilation.

4 Restricting the infected animal's movement

▫️Temporarily isolate the sick animal in an easily cleanable area.
▫️Place a disposable or washable bedding mat.
▫️Change and disinfect the food and water bowls and litter box separately.

⚠️ How to protect yourself and other animals

▫️After coming into contact with a sick animal, wash your hands and, if possible, use an antiseptic.
▫️Wear protective clothing and gloves if you are caring for an animal with active lesions.
▫️Monitor children’s skin—ringworm in humans appears as red rings with scaling or itching.

✅ When should you stop disinfecting?

Do a thorough cleaning:

▫️regularly while treatment is ongoing,
▫️for another 2–3 weeks after the animal’s symptoms have disappeared,
▫️or until a negative confirmatory laboratory test result is obtained (e.g., PCR or culture).