Ringworm Recurrence: Can You Get It Twice? Causes, Risks & Treatment

Unfortunately, you can get ringworm -- a fungal infection that develops on the skin - -twice. That's because ringworm is a fungus, and like any fungus, it can infect you twice. Ringworm becomes a parasite on your body and develops into a ring shape. There is not, however, a worm that lives under your skin.

Risk Factors

• You can get ringworm in a variety of ways: if you have close contact with an infected person, have a weakened immune system and especially if you play close-contact sports like wrestling. You can also get ringworm by interacting with animals who have it just by petting or grooming them.

Treatment Options

• It's best to visit your doctor if you think you have ringworm. He may take a graft of your skin and look at it under the microscope to see if you have ringworm. If you do have ringworm, your doctor will prescribe a topical ointment to get rid of the fungus, which will also help reduce some of the itchiness you are experiencing. If you have a serious case, you may also be prescribed an oral prescription to get rid of the ringworm.

How to Stop Ringworm

• You can prevent yourself from getting another bout of ringworm. Wash your hands often, avoid infected animals and people and don't share personal items like hair brushes.