Emergency Ringworm Question!!!!

[ladygaga]

This is my yahoo answers question to help give you and idea of what I’m dealing with. But to clarify the ringworm was contracted by my best friends kitten who is 6 weeks old.

I was diagnosed with ringworm yesterday and was given topical cream by prescription, I was told to buy head and shoulders so I purchased the green apple head and shoulders. Some websites have said that only one type of head and shoulders treats ringworm and I think it’s the clinical protection line. I also wear contacts and I haven’t put them in today for fear of spreading it to my eyes, which would be a nightmare. I have been constantly washing my hands with anti bacterial soap every time I accidentally touch one of the areas, washing my sheets on hot settings, and changing my clothes often, even underwear and socks. It started out as a red patch on my lower stomache but when I woke up today there were bumps on my thighs that were pinching and itchy. I washed the areas with anti bacterial soap and applied the cream to all areas. I also used 100% tea tree oil on the infecte areas with a qtip and have applied baby powder to the areas to keep them dry. My questions are:
1. Should I stay away from wearing contacts
2. What are the pinching itchy bumps I woke up to
3. I have a rabbit and the original ringworm was contracted from my friends kitten who had it, so I’m afraid of spreading it to her, should this be a concern because I need to clean her cage.
Please help and don’t send links, I’ve read them all trust me. Thank you in advance.

[BinkyBunny]

I can’t help you with the first two questions as I haven’t had ring worm since I was teenager. I do remember it starting as an itchy patch (but not terribly itchy) and then the patch expanded to a little ring shape. I am not sure about the itchy bumps.  Could have spread, or it could be an allergic reaction of sorts???? Sorry no help with that. 

Question #3: Yes you can spread this to your bunny. I would just wash your hands thoroughly or maybe get some of those disposable thin latex gloves, and wear a clean long sure while cleaning. The ring worm will clear up within a couple of weeks so this is only for a short time.Also note, you may have already spread it to your bunny so just keep an eye out for that. 

Someone else may have some recent experience and offer up advice, but this is the best solution I could come up with. I would call you Doctor on Monday and ask those questions as well.

[ladygaga]

Thank you for the reply, I was thinking about that. I constantly use anti bacterial soap anyways and use anti MICROBIAL hand sanitizer all the time anyways around her. I did let her out of her cage but didn’t really touch her because I was nervous about this. I’m really scared that she will get it now. I’m only 20 and don’t have the money for vet bills right now so if she does get it what are my options? This is such a nightmare. And I don’t know what the bumps are either, and the ringworm never had a circle, it’s a red oval patch with flaky dry skin. I love animals to death but I’ve never had this kind of problem before. I was thinking of using disinfecting wipes around some of the objects I use to clean her cage and possibly on dishes. Is this safe if I rinse them thourgly afterwards?

[LBJ10]

Are you sure it is ringworm? Did you go to the doctor?

[ladygaga]

Yes I have a topical cream I’m prescribed for it

[Roberta]

Ringworm is not actually a worm but a fungal infection (tinea), there are several different varieties including athletes foot but only one kind that can be passed from animal to human or human to animal. The bumps are all part of it and means the fungal infection is moving to those areas. The one you have is a bugger (tinea Corporis) and is going to require dedication and perseverance to be rid of. Stick with the topical cream and you might want to top up your vitamins like Zinc and Vit B12. I would avoid the contacts for a while and you are doing the right thing with your sheets etc. If your bun gets it the treatment will be the same, a topical ointment applied regularly. Its actually a lot easier to cure an animal than a human but the spores can live in the house and environment for a long long time so any animal or person coming into the house will be at risk especially if their immune system is compromised. Not everyone is susceptible to it, same with some animals have a strong immune system and a natural immunity. You should apply the treatment atleast an inch beyond the infected patch and continue the treatment for at least a week after the lesions have healed. Is there someone who can clean your rabbits cage for you whilst you are recovering ?

[Roberta]

If you do have to clean the cage BB is right wash your hands well with an antifungal cleanser, especially under the nails. Wear some gloves and a clean full apron over your clothes to help block any spores. I would also be giving your house a thorough clean with any antifungal products and adding those to your laundry as well.

[Roberta]

Oh, Common disinfectant and anti bacterial products may not kill the spores, you really need something that also contains a fungicide. (check the products you have some may already contain it)

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. I would get disposable gloves for doing anything with the rabbit and throw them out after each use.

As your washing your hands constantly-what about wearing gloves around the house-so that you kind of remember not to touch yourself absentmindedly. I’m a big handwasher so I have the dry cracked hands that come with it-so just thinking if you can save some washing that might be helpful.

But sorry I don’t have any advice really-good luck clearing this up-sounds like a real bummer!!

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