As fungal infections, most types of tinea are extremely contagious. The infections spread from person to person in many different ways and can even spread from animals to people too. The fungi that cause tinea, known as dermatophytes, can be found all over the world and are very prevalent. In the US, it is estimated that 70% of the population will have a case of some kind of tinea at some point in their lives. This high prevalence underscores the importance of being vigilant and recognizing what tinea looks and feels like. The exception to this is tinea versicolor, which occurs due to the naturally occurring fungus on your skin growing out of control.
Perhaps the most common of the contagious forms of tinea is tinea pedis or athlete’s foot. While anybody can be at risk of catching this type of fungal infection on their feet, it is most common in boys and men aged 16 to 45. This is partly because the dermatophytes thrive in damp and warm conditions; among the most common places to catch tinea pedis are locker rooms, public pools, and communal showers. If a person with a case of tinea pedis walks barefoot in these locations, the conditions are perfect for the dermatophytes to survive in, unbeknownst to another barefooted person who walks through and ultimately develops a case of this highly contagious fungal infection.
Similarly, dermatophytes can exist in other damp, warm places. These can include towels and clothes - particularly sweaty socks. All kinds of tinea can be contracted by sharing unwashed towels, clothes, and bedding with someone who has an active case of tinea. Such is the contagiousness of tinea that this is a common way of contracting not only tinea pedis but also tinea capitis (ringworm on the scalp), tinea unguium (a fungal infection of the nails), tinea cruris (an itchy rash on the groin or buttocks), and tinea corporis (ringworm anywhere else on the body).
As a contagious fungal infection, tinea can live on other surfaces too. The barbershop, hairdressing salon, and even nail salon could be places where cases of tinea are spread. For tinea capitis, communal brushes and combs that haven’t been properly cleaned and dried could be a culprit, while the damage caused to nails by a pedicure could increase the risk of tinea unguium: if present in the tools or towels, the contagious dermatophytes can more easily penetrate a damaged nail.
Moreover, tinea can be spread directly from person to person - or animal to person - through direct contact with the affected area. For example, touching another person’s athlete’s foot or sleeping next to a dog or cat with a case of ringworm.
Though tinea is highly contagious, there is no need to worry. With an awareness of the risk factors for tinea and where it is most commonly found, the likelihood of catching this fungal infection can be reduced. And, if you do encounter a case of tinea, our natural products offer a safe, effective, and reliable way of curing the condition and preventing its recurrence.
