Ringworm and Snakes

[PatrickV]

I've seen a pharmacist who has told me that i have ringworm on my arm and wrist. I'm starting to apply a cream twice a day to get rid of it, but i'm wondering, could i have transferred it to my snakes by handling them? can snake even contract ringworm?

[MDT]

It would be unlikely to transfer. It's not common (like approaching 0%) for human illness to transfer to animals, or likewise animal illnesses to transfer to humans.

[PatrickV]

Originally Posted by MDT

It would be unlikely to transfer. It's not common (like approaching 0%) for human illness to transfer to animals, or likewise animal illnesses to transfer to humans.

thanks, good to know. I'm stressed about it. Iv'e read elsewhere its very contagious and can be contracted from, as well as transfered to, snakes. I hope your right.

[TRD]

Yes, but this is fungal... those aren't that species specific as viruses or bacteria. I'm not sure if it can jump from human to reptile, would depend if it's the same species of fungi I would assume.

If I look through some documents from Madar I can see that Trichophyton mentagrophytes is affecting Ball Pythons, and likely others, though it is not re-examined (as per Mader's writing). This is one of the fungi that causes ringworm in humans.

I'd take care.

[MDT]

Yep, but T. rubrum (tinea corporis)is most common cause ringworm in humans.
Notice the "unlikely" qualifier you never say "never" in medicine.

[TRD]

Oh I missed that "unlikely"