in case you didn't know it ringworm isn't caused by a worm at all. ringworm is actually a skin fungus just like athlete's foot or jock itch. you can get ringworm in a variety of ways from sharing a towel with someone who's infected to touching damp surfaces that carry the fungus. the fungus that causes ringworm thrives in warm damp environments which is why it's frequently acquired in places like public pool common areas. to your question: you could catch ringworm from your friend even if you didn't touch the lesion. the reason is because the fungus could be infecting other areas of your friend's skin but not showing the characteristic ring mark yet. if you have thoroughly washed and dried the skin areas that came in contact with your friend you're probably not going to get ringworm. however be careful not to share any sports gear or towels with your friend and be sure to wear flip-flops or other foot protection if you all are bathing in a common shower area or something like that. by the way ringworm will not clear up on its own. it needs to be treated with an anti-fungal preparation. your friend can try using an over-the-counter cream for athlete's foot (the generic name is miconazole) but if that doesn't help or if the ringworm starts spreading your friend should seek medical attention. in rare instances ringworm is best treated with a prescription medication. hope this helps! my daughter caught it from her friend 5 yrs ago and it was from putting her slippers on. i never caught it tho when i rubbed the ointment on her back where it was. i immediately washed my hands tho too. i guess different people affected differently by things.
a friend contracted ringworm and i touched his skin but not the infected area. what are the chances of contracting it? . a friend of mine from a youth group i go to recently contracted ringworm on his arm. he was with the group tonight and had the area covered with a huge bandage yet he would peel the bandage off just enough for people to see the ring and then immediately put it back on. i never touched the infected area but i did come into skin-to-skin contact with him during a couple games and activities. i washed my hands face and other possible areas of contact with soap but will i get ringworm?