The Experts in Sanitation Solutions
Subsidiary of Sani Marc Group
woodwyant.com
1 800 361-7691
February
2015
Educational Bulletin
Controlling Tinea Infections
(Ringworm)
DESCRIPTION
TINEA INFECTION CONTROL
Tinea, also known as Ringworm, is a group of pathogenic
fungi known as dermatophytes that parasitize the outer
layers of the body such as the nails, skin and hair. When
it occurs upon the feet it is usually referred to as Athlete’s
Foot. In general Tinea infections can be cosmetically
disfiguring and usually involve severe itching on skin,
groin and scalp. When Tinea infects the nails itching is not
normally an issue. Nail infections usually involve distorted
nail growth, cracking of the nails and nail discoloration.
Disinfectants with fungicidal properties and Athlete’s Foot
claims (for example Trichophyton mentagrophytes ) such
as Generation 5, Generation 5 Plus, 1492, Pro*Fil ED,
Vert-2-Go Everyday Disinfectant and the UltraQuat Family
of Disinfectants are capable of controlling these fungi in
normal use with frequent cleaning and disinfection. The
10 minute contact time needed for fungicidal performance
however limits the use of these products to horizontal
surfaces such as floors.
TRANSMISSION
When Tinea infection risks are specifically of concern
due to occupant activities or in an “outbreak” situation,
specialty disinfectants can be employed to address the
situation. Focused cleaning and disinfection of furniture
and other above-the-floor objects can be accomplished
with a ready-to-use product such as CaviWipes1. This
product offers convenience and complete disinfection in
1 minute. For large area surfaces like floors, exercise mats
and entire building disinfection efforts against Tinea, Oxivir
Plus offers economy of use with its 1:40 dilution rate and
complete disinfection in 5 minutes.
Tinea infections can be transmitted between pets and
humans as well as between humans. Above-the-floor
environmental surfaces in human to human transmission
are not identified as significant sources or origins for the
spread of Tinea. Transmission is mainly related to the
sharing of personal items such as brushes, clothing, towels,
nail clippers as well as from wet or damp floors in the
case of Athlete’s Foot. Where pets are the source of Tinea,
transmission can occur through hand and skin contact with
pets, their bedding and surfaces normally in contact with
the pets.
Individuals infected with Tinea can immediately
contaminate surfaces with direct skin contact of the
surface. For effective control of Tinea on surfaces the
The Experts in Sanitation Solutions
Subsidiary of Sani Marc Group
woodwyant.com
1 800 361-7691
February
2015
Educational Bulletin
frequency of cleaning and disinfecting should be directly
related to the traffic of people using the surface. The
frequency of cleaning is just as important as the product
being used if the environmental surface transmission cycle
is to be stopped. When Pets are infected with Tinea, pet
bedding and contact surfaces must also be cleaned and
disinfected on a frequent basis.
Preventing skin contact with contaminated objects/
surfaces, personal items and clothing is a very significant
way to prevent the spread of Tinea and must be a part of
any control strategy. Therefore building occupants must
be educated and directed to wear shoes to prevent foot
contact in public areas, keep their skin clean and dry and
not share clothing and personal care items that directly
contact hair, skin and nails. Where pets are infected with
Tinea, occupants must wash their hands after handling
pets or touching pet contact surfaces.
CONCLUSION
Many hard surface disinfectants with fungicidal properties
are capable of controlling Tinea on environmental surfaces.
Specialty products such as CaviWipes1 and Oxivir Plus along
with increased cleaning frequency to match occupant traffic
can be used in high risk or “outbreak” situations to help
stop the spread of Tinea. Building occupants must employ
preventative strategies such as wearing shoes in damp or wet
environments, washing hands after handling Tinea infected
pets and avoid sharing of clothing, towels and personal items.
For Tinea control to be truly effective, the combination of
these environmental control and building occupant prevention
strategies must be put into action.
References:
1. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – Fungicidal
Diseases - Ringworm, Reviewed / updated on Sept 30, 2014,
as viewed on Jan 27, 2015 at http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/
diseases/ringworm/index.html
2. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, 4th Edition:
Seymour S. Block, Lea & Febiger, Philidelphia, 1991,
Pg. 386-387