Fungal and parasitic skin conditions that spread through close contact or shared clothing and bedding — common, and treatable.
Ringworm (a fungal infection despite the name — no actual worm is involved) and scabies (caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin) are two of the most common skin conditions we see, both highly contagious through close contact but both entirely treatable with the right medication.
Ringworm thrives in warm, moist environments and spreads through direct skin contact or shared items like towels and clothing. Scabies spreads similarly, through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or shared bedding, and can move quickly through a household once one person is infected.
Ringworm typically responds to antifungal cream applied consistently over several weeks, while scabies requires a specific topical treatment applied to the entire body, along with treating all close household contacts at the same time to prevent reinfection. Washing bedding and clothing in hot water on the day treatment starts helps break the cycle.
See our clinicians if: a rash spreads, doesn't improve with basic hygiene, or is very itchy — the right cream or medication depends on the exact cause.
