### Human:\nis it safe to work with ringworm? . i have a co-worker who thinks he has ringworm but he does not have health insurance so he cannot go to a doctor. we work in the food service industry and i was wondering if it was possible for him to continue working using gloves etc while it clears up or if he needs to stay home until it is gone?\n\n### Assistant: ringworm is just a skin fungus (not a worm). as long as the skin lesion is covered and under some topical anti-fungal medications it poses no risk to others or the food service. yes he can work. keep in mind that this skin lesion has been self-diagnosed so this recommendation assumes he is correct. there are several skin lesions that can mimic ringworm so it would be wise to get it properly examined and diagnosed.