Can snakes get ringworm?!

[rebelrachel13]

This may or may not sound ridiculous, but it's a legitimate question!

I'm a little worried because recently I noticed a small ringworm spot on my back, and another on my shoulder. They're not too much of a bother to me since they don't itch or hurt, and in fact they've been treated and are almost gone already. It was from a cat that we were fostering who is no longer at the house, and we haven't seen any signs of it, either in our family or pets.

Now, from my understanding ringworm can be very contagious and spreads between pretty much all mammals just from contact. But what about reptiles? Can they catch fungal infections like ringworm from people? And if so, how would it manifest itself?

It suddenly occurred to me yesterday that I hadn't considered whether this could affect the snakes. Most of the time, I wash my hands before handling my snakes, so I hope that was enough.


I hope this doesn't sound too crazy. Thanks!!

[Annarose15]

I have never heard of ringworm on a reptile.

[Rob]

Hope your treatment was a Prescription cream. It will spread. I got it like ten years ago in high school from wrestling, I got cream that killed it right away.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Go get a RX cream for that. It will spread. I got it like ten years ago in high school from wrestling, I got cream that killed it right away.

Just don't put it on your snakes... lol. If you do find that they do have ringworm, a trip to a rep tie vet is your best course of action. anything that is oil based will do more harm than good as it will turn their scales into mush.

[Mike41793]

My thoughts on this would be no... I dont think that their scales are a good place for fungus to grow. Like the scales act as a barrier to all that kinda stuff. Things like mites or ticks that can burrow in between the scales are more of a worry usually.
Im not saying im right bc i have no idea but this is just my thoughts on it...