Ringworm remains contagious during the first 48 hours of treatment in people and for about 3 weeks from the start of aggressive treatment in pets. In both cases, untreated ringworm remains contagious for much longer. The fungal spores themselves can live for up to 20 months.

How long after getting ringworm are you contagious?

Ringworm is contagious as long as lesions are present. It stops being contagious about 24-48 hours after treatment begins.

Is ringworm not contagious after 48 hours?

It requires direct skin-to-skin contact. After 48 hours of treatment, ringworm is not contagious at all. Your child doesn't have to miss any school or day care. The type of ringworm you get from pets is not spread from human to human, only from animal to human.