Ringworm may not be deadly, but it is stubborn, contagious, and often underestimated. Protecting yourself starts with simple daily discipline: keeping skin clean and thoroughly dry, especially in sweaty folds and between toes; changing damp clothes quickly; and choosing breathable fabrics that don’t trap moisture. Regularly washing clothes, towels, and bedsheets, then drying them in sunlight when possible, helps break the cycle of lingering fungal spores.

Guard your home and pets with the same care. Watch animals for patchy fur or scaly spots, and seek veterinary treatment early. Avoid sharing personal items, and never mask rashes with random steroid creams that only drive the infection deeper. Instead, use proper antifungal treatments and consult a dermatologist when in doubt. Support your immune system with good food, rest, and movement so your skin can defend you long before the fungus takes hold.