Urgent warning after huge number of young men infected with ringworm from visit to barbers

A significant surge in ringworm cases among men visiting barbers has prompted a hygiene warning. The popularity of skin fade haircuts and the proliferation of "cheap, dirty unqualified barbershops" are believed to be contributing to this increase.

Mike Taylor, who operates a barber training academy in Poole, Dorset, reportedly stated that between 70% and 80% of customers now request skin fades, which require the use of a foil clipper that "needs to be thoroughly cleaned". He expressed concern that the necessary 10-minute cleaning and disinfection process for these razors is not being carried out.

Despite Mr Taylor's call for new regulations, the Government has reportedly stated it has "no plans" to regulate the hairdressing sector. Ringworm, a common fungal infection not caused by worms, can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication, according to the NHS.

The primary symptom is a rash that may appear red or darker than the surrounding skin, and can be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy. Ringworm can manifest anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (jock itch).

How ringworm is passed on

The NHS explains that ringworm is caused by a type of fungi and can be transmitted through close contact, reports the Mirror.

It can be passed on through close contact with:

• an infected person or animal
• infected objects, such as bedsheets, combs or towels
• infected soil, although this is less common

Mr Taylor expressed his concerns to the BBC, saying: "The high street is depleting, it's dying and then suddenly there's 12 barber shops on the same street and they're all trying to go a little bit cheaper than each other. If the prices have to be knocked down then something else has to go and maybe it is all the time spent cleaning the equipment or the time spent getting the proper knowledge. Sometimes the cheapest price isn't always the best price."

Gareth Penn, registrar at the Hair and Barber Council, is also advocating for a "mandatory register for those who wish to trade as hairdressers or barbers". Although the council, located in Hampshire, acts as a statutory authority for UK hairdressing, currently, its register is voluntary.

Mr Penn warned: "This opens up hairdressing and barbering to those that are not trained, or qualified, or worse, those who wish to use our industry as a front for illegal activity," A government spokesperson informed The Mirror: "We have no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector, however we will always seriously consider evidence when it's provided. We work closely with the industry to address skills and training needs, and HMRC is also working to tackle tax fraud in the sector."