Risk factors

Risk factors for ringworm of the scalp include:

• Age. Ringworm of the scalp is most common in toddlers and school-age children.
• Exposure to other children. Outbreaks of ringworm are common in schools and child care centers where the infection easily spreads through close physical contact.
• Exposure to pets. A pet, such as a cat or dog, can have the infection without showing any signs. Children can get the infection by touching or petting the animal.