Ringworm is a common skin problem in animals and is highly contagious to humans as well. Despite its name, it is not a parasite, but a fungal infection that lives in the hair follicles, deep in the skin. The most common symptoms are: a small, round lesion that may develop on the head, legs, feet and tail. Scaly skin and small pustules may occur within the lesion and may cause itchiness or hair loss.

In order to truly diagnose ringworm, a fungal culture must be performed. A skin scrape or hair sample from the infected area is collected and placed appropriately on the culture plate. It may take up to four weeks before a definite diagnosis is determined.