Unless you've been out of the country for the past three months you've surely heard about the extensive ringworm outbreak among the cats and kittens at Maddie's. Educational emails from SF/SPCA staff and laminated fact sheets at the information desk have thoroughly warned volunteers about ringworm risks and proper visitation procedures. But some of us may still be wondering - what is ringworm anyway?

If you're anything like me, the first time you heard the word "ringworm" it conjured up lurid, wormy images from some scientific horror movie. In reality, ringworm is nothing like that.

Ringworm (Tinea corporis), also known as dermatophytosis (literally meaning plants living on skin), is a fungus that feeds on the body's dead skin and hair cells. This is the same species of fungus as athlete's foot and jock itch. On humans, the fungus appears as a well-defined red dry patch or crusty blister on the skin, and can be itchy. On animals it commonly appears as a bald spot of dry scaly skin or typical raw lesion, usually found behind the ears.

Ringworm is highly contagious to young and geriatric animals, children, the elderly, and people with stressed immune systems, such as those on chemotherapy or with AIDS. Most healthy people exposed to ringworm will not be affected.

The spread of ringworm occurs when healthy skin comes in direct contact with infected skin or hair. Ringworm can also be spread through contact with contaminated stuffed animals, mats, brushes, clothing, and personal items. Ringworm usually appears 4-10 days after exposure.

Humans with ringworm are treated for 4 weeks with topical solutions, such as Lotrimin prescription antifungal cream, or home remedies containing essential oils. However, SF/SPCA animals infected with ringworm are quarantined and need extensive oral and topical treatments. Most of these cases are kittens with weak immune systems. Dog cases are rare.

Kathleen Bennett, RVT, is shelter nursing manager at the SF/SPCA. "Most ringworm infections are easily treated," Kathleen says. "The difficulty is the 4-6 weeks of quarantine for these cats and kittens."

"Our two biggest challenges at the SF/SPCA are getting these ringworm cats and kittens socialized while simultaneously preventing the spread of ringworm," says Kathleen - which is why volunteers play such a crucial role in the social development and physical health of these animals.

It is important for volunteers to remember that ringworm is 1) usually localized, 2) easily treatable, and 3) contagious. Following proper hygiene protocols will eliminate most contagion, but extreme care must be taken to "keep it clean." When in doubt, ask a staff member for guidance.