to prevent ringworm of the skin : keep your skin clean and dry. change your socks and underwear at least once a day. wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. avoid tight underwear pants and panty hose. always dry yourself completely after showers or baths. after drying your skin with a towel allow your skin to air-dry before putting your clothes on. you can also use a hair dryer set on a cool setting to dry your skin. do not share clothing sports equipment towels or sheets. if you think you have been exposed to ringworm wash your clothes in hot water with fungus-killing (fungicidal) soap. wear slippers or sandals in locker rooms showers and public bathing areas. shower and shampoo thoroughly after any sport that requires skin-to-skin contact. if you have athlete's foot put your socks on before your underwear so that fungi do not spread from your feet to your groin. also when toweling off after a shower or bath dry your feet last. take your pet to a veterinarian if it has patches of missing hair which may be a sign of a fungal infection. household pets can spread fungi that cause ringworm in people. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
how can ringworm of the skin be prevented?