Ringworm??? what to do??

Nurses General Nursing

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I think I may have contracted ringworm from my mom who had gotten it from one of our cats. Meantime I start orientation for my first nursing job this coming monday, I have no idea what to do. The first week we're just learning the computer system so I won't be in direct contact with patients. At home I'm washing my bedding and clothes that I wear daily and treating myself with antifungals and getting the cats treated as well. This is just an annoying nightmare and I hate it. Do you know what your hospital would do if you contracted ringworm? Would they not let you work until it's gone?? just any information would be appreciated thank you.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

In my own personal experience, ringworm isn't exceptionally contagious. I've had it and continued working as a child care provider without transmitting it. My son got it from a classmate and even though he slept with me, I never got it. My other child had it before also and I didn't catch it. (She caught it from a cousin)

Treat it with topical cream the md prescribes. (Unless it's on your hand or something which would cause you to potentially spread it whenever you do any pt care)

I'm assuming it's not on your hand. I've only seen it on the arm, chest, scalp and beard.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Did you try speaking with your physician/health care provider rather than self-diagnose and self-medicate with OTC antifungals? What if your assessment is wrong? What if it's not ringworm? Did you take the cats to the vet fir diagnosis and treatment? Your employer may require medical clearance.

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Specializes in CVICU.

I'm from the country and I used to get ringworm from running around barefoot for most of my childhood years. The country way of curing it is putting clear fingernail polish on it. I don't know why it works but it always did. I'm not sure what the hospital will say but I'm sure was long as you follow standard ppe it shouldn't matter.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

As per the Terms of service we cannot give medical advice. Your best bet would be to see your PCP and call the facility, even on Saturday, to ask what the policy is.

Here is the CDC recommendations....Ringworm | Types of Diseases | Fungal Diseases | CDC

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