What Increases Your Risk

Factors that increase the risk of ringworm include:

• Being susceptible to fungal infection or having had a previous fungal infection on the scalp, beard, or other areas.
• Having contact with people or animals with ringworm infections or with those who carry the ringworm fungus but do not have symptoms.
• Having an impaired immune system (due to diseases, such as diabetes or cancer).
• Living in a warm, damp climate.

One study showed that hair grooming practices, such as braids or the use of oils or hair gels, do not increase the risk for getting ringworm. It had been suggested in the past that these practices are the reason ringworm is more prevalent in the U.S. African-American population. This study suggests that higher prevalence is more likely due to infection and reinfection within families, communities, and schools.²