Ringworm Outbreaks Linked to Barbershops and Hair Salons (2025 Update) By DrRamonReyesMD

 

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Ringworm Outbreaks Linked to Barbershops and Hair Salons (2025 Update)

By DrRamonReyesMD

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Overview

Reports from 2021-2025 show an increase in ringworm (dermatophyte) infections connected to barbershops and hair salons. Adults—especially men with short fades or razor shaves—are now frequently affected, not only children.

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How It Spreads

• Contaminated tools: clippers, razors, combs, brushes, towels, or capes reused without proper disinfection.
• Close shaving (skin-fade styles) can cause micro-abrasions that allow fungi to enter.
• Direct skin contact with infected clients or asymptomatic carriers.

Reference: CDC – Ringworm
https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/about/index.html

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Clinical Presentation

• Round, scaly patches with clear borders, sometimes itchy or red.
• Broken hairs or bald spots (“black dots”) on the scalp.
• In severe cases: painful swelling (kerion) or secondary infection.
• Often misdiagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or alopecia areata.

Reference: AAD – Ringworm Overview
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/ringworm-overview

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Prevention

• Barbershops must disinfect tools after every client and wash reusable capes/towels.
• Prefer disposable guards/blades when possible.
• Clients should avoid sharing combs, hats, or towels, and check for any lesions before shaving.
• Public health inspections and staff training reduce risk.

Reference: ResearchGate – Infections acquired in barbershops
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386052053_Infections_acquired_in_barbershops_-_A_review

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Treatment

• Skin (tinea corporis): topical antifungals (terbinafine, clotrimazole) for 2–4 weeks.
• Scalp/beard (tinea capitis or barbae): systemic therapy (terbinafine, itraconazole, or griseofulvin).
• Confirm with microscopy/culture, especially if lesions fail to improve or if T. indotineae resistance is suspected.

Reference: CDC – Resistant Tinea
https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/hcp/clinician-brief-resistant-infections/index.html

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Public Health Note

Ringworm is not a sign of poor hygiene. It is a contagious fungal infection that thrives in shared environments if hygiene standards are neglected. Awareness among barbers and clients is essential.

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Key References

• CDC – Ringworm Basics
  https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/about/index.html
• Mayo Clinic – Tinea infections
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353774
• Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas – Outbreak in Spain
  https://actasdermo.org/en-translated-article-outbreak-tinea-capitis-articulo-S0001731024000371

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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