Most illnesses cannot jump between humans and dogs. However, there is a select few that, if you're not careful, can cross from one to the other. These are the kinds of illnesses you can give to your ...

Understanding the Context

Learn to recognize common skin conditions in dogs, including allergies, ringworm, mange, yeast overgrowth, and alopecia. DogsBestLife.com on MSN: What every dog owner must know about 5 troubling skin conditions Ringworm of the body is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis). Ringworm often spreads by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal. Mild ringworm often responds to antifungal medications applied to the skin.

Key Insights

For more-severe infections, you may need to take antifungal pills for several weeks. For ringworm, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What might be causing the signs and symptoms? Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis? What is the best treatment? Is this condition temporary or chronic?

Final Thoughts

Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? Can I wait to see if the condition goes away on its own? Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious infection. It's most common in toddlers and school-age children. Tinea capitis is related to athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm of the body (tinea corporis). Medication taken by mouth can kill the fungus that causes ringworm of the scalp.

Medicated shampoos may help keep a person from spreading the infection to others. Treatment for ringworm of the scalp requires a prescription-strength antifungal medication taken by mouth. The first-choice medication is usually griseofulvin (Gris-Peg). Alternatives might be used if griseofulvin isn't working or your child is allergic to it.