Can you get ringworm off a hamster without visiting the vet?

Question

My friend has a dwarf hamster with ringworms. She is losin it on her chest in a circular patch. Although my friend is taking her to the vet but she also has some anti fungal cream on hand and is wondering if she can dab a bit on the hamster or something? Idk. Anyways, any advice will help.

Answer 1

Ringworm can only be treated with specific meds, not just any anti-fungal cream lying around. This will not help. Go to a vet.

Answer 2

Please don't let your friend treat her hamster herself. Most human medicines are harmful to pets and will only make her more ill. She would just lick the cream off anyway. Also there is a chance it may not even be ringworm. It could be mites like my hamster had which also caused circular patches of fur to fall off. It may even be an injury that your friend's hamster is licking bald like my sister's hamster did.



Don't worry about catching ringworm from your friend's hamster. As long as you wash your hands after playing with her you should be fine.



That is great your friend is taking her to the vet. They can give your friend's hamster the best care she needs.



Right now I would suggest having your friend clean her hamster's cage thoroughly to keep your little hamster friend from becoming more ill. This will also keep her from getting sick again when she gets treatment since there won't be anything on her toys or bedding that she can pick up again. Make sure you clean her wheel, toys, and water bottle especially well since your friend's hamster uses them the most.



Good luck with your friend's sick hamster. Let us know how she does.