What are the early signs of ringworm in dogs and cats. How does ringworm spread between pets and humans. What are effective treatments for ringworm in pets. How can pet owners prevent ringworm infections.

Understanding Ringworm: More Than Just a Worm

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by any type of worm. It’s actually a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and claws of both cats and dogs. The fungi responsible for ringworm, known as dermatophytes, originate in soil but can be found in various environments. These fungi feed on keratin, a protein that forms the building blocks of hair and nails.

Three main types of fungi cause ringworm in pets:

• Microsporum canis
• Microsporum gypseum
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Among these, Microsporum canis is the most common culprit in cats and dogs. As the fungi consume keratin, they reproduce and create spores, leading to the characteristic symptoms of ringworm.

Identifying Ringworm Symptoms in Dogs

Ringworm in dogs can manifest in various ways, making it crucial for pet owners to be vigilant. How can you recognize the signs of ringworm in your canine companion? Look out for these symptoms:

• Itchy skin
• Inflammation and redness
• Rashes
• Scabs or scales
• Circular areas of patchy hair loss

Your dog may exhibit one or more of these symptoms if infected with ringworm. Some dogs develop gray, scaly patches of hair loss, while others experience itchy or inflamed skin. In some cases, dogs may develop bumps on their skin.

Where does ringworm typically appear on dogs? The most common areas affected include the face, ears, tail, and feet. However, it’s important to note that symptoms can appear anywhere on the body.

Recognizing Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm symptoms in cats are similar to those in dogs, but there are some key differences to be aware of. What should cat owners look for when suspecting ringworm?

• Circular areas of patchy hair loss
• Broken and dull hair
• Scaling or crusty skin
• Inflamed skin
• Excessive grooming and scratching

Kittens are particularly susceptible to ringworm infections. Like dogs, cats typically develop ringworm on the face, ears, tips, tail, and feet. However, long-haired cats pose a unique challenge, as their fur may conceal areas of patchy hair loss or inflamed skin.

The Challenge of Diagnosis in Long-Haired Cats

Why is ringworm harder to spot in long-haired cats? Their abundant fur can effectively mask the telltale signs of infection, such as bald patches or skin inflammation. This makes regular grooming and close inspection even more crucial for long-haired feline companions.

The Contagious Nature of Ringworm

Can humans contract ringworm from their pets? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Ringworm is typically spread through contact with contaminated objects or infected animals. This means that not only can pets pass ringworm to humans, but humans can also transmit it to their animals and other people.

How does ringworm transmission occur? It usually requires some form of microtrauma to spread the infection. For example:

• Accidentally cutting yourself while trimming an infected dog’s fur
• Being scratched by a dog with an infected nail
• Handling contaminated objects like brushes or bedding

It’s important to note that exposure to an infected animal or contaminated object doesn’t always result in a ringworm infection. However, treating infected pets and family members is crucial to prevent the fungus from spreading around the house.

Diagnosing Ringworm in Pets

Why is professional diagnosis important for ringworm? Because its symptoms can mimic other skin conditions, it’s crucial to have a veterinarian confirm the diagnosis before starting treatment. Vets typically follow these steps:

1. Review the pet’s medical history
2. Perform a thorough physical examination
3. Rule out other possible causes of skin issues
4. Conduct specific tests for ringworm

What tests might a vet use to diagnose ringworm? Common diagnostic methods include:

• Wood’s lamp examination: Some types of ringworm fungi fluoresce under ultraviolet light
• Microscopic examination of hair or skin scrapings
• Fungal culture: This is the most accurate but can take up to 3 weeks for results

Treating Ringworm in Pets

Once diagnosed, how is ringworm treated in pets? Treatment approaches may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual animal, but typically include:

• Topical antifungal medications
• Oral antifungal medications
• Medicated shampoos
• Environmental decontamination

In healthy animals, ringworm may clear up on its own without treatment. However, treatment can help shorten the duration of the infection and prevent its spread to other animals or humans.

Topical Treatments

What topical treatments are effective against ringworm? Common options include:

• Miconazole cream
• Terbinafine cream
• Lime sulfur dips

These treatments are applied directly to the affected areas and can help eliminate the fungus on the skin’s surface.

Oral Medications

In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Which oral medications are commonly used for ringworm in pets?

• Griseofulvin
• Itraconazole
• Terbinafine

These medications work systemically to combat the fungal infection from within the body.

Preventing the Spread of Ringworm

How can pet owners prevent the spread of ringworm? Here are some essential steps:

1. Isolate infected pets from other animals and humans when possible
2. Regularly clean and disinfect the pet’s environment
3. Vacuum frequently and dispose of vacuum bags in sealed plastic bags
4. Wash bedding, toys, and other items the infected pet has contacted in hot water
5. Use disposable gloves when handling infected pets or cleaning their environment
6. Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing

Why is environmental decontamination crucial? Ringworm spores can survive in the environment for up to 18 months, making thorough cleaning essential to prevent reinfection or spread to other pets and humans.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Environments

Which environments pose a higher risk for ringworm transmission? Places with a high density of animals, such as:

• Animal shelters
• Breeding facilities
• Grooming salons
• Veterinary clinics

In these settings, strict hygiene protocols and regular screening are essential to prevent outbreaks. How can these facilities minimize ringworm risk?

• Implement rigorous cleaning and disinfection routines
• Screen new animals for ringworm before introduction to the general population
• Train staff on proper handling and hygiene practices
• Use personal protective equipment when handling suspected cases

The Impact of Stress and Immunity on Ringworm Susceptibility

Why are some pets more susceptible to ringworm than others? Several factors can influence an animal’s vulnerability to ringworm infection:

• Age: Young animals with underdeveloped immune systems are more susceptible
• Stress: High-stress environments can weaken the immune system
• Underlying health conditions: Diseases that compromise immunity increase risk
• Nutrition: Poor diet can impact overall health and immune function

How can pet owners bolster their pets’ defenses against ringworm? Consider these strategies:

• Provide a balanced, nutritious diet
• Ensure regular veterinary check-ups
• Minimize stress in the pet’s environment
• Address any underlying health issues promptly

The Role of Grooming in Ringworm Prevention and Detection

How does regular grooming contribute to ringworm prevention and early detection? Grooming offers several benefits:

• Allows for close inspection of the pet’s skin and coat
• Helps remove potential contaminants from the fur
• Promotes overall skin and coat health
• Strengthens the bond between pet and owner

What grooming practices can help prevent ringworm?

1. Use clean grooming tools for each pet
2. Disinfect grooming tools between uses
3. Regularly bathe pets with appropriate shampoos
4. Inspect the skin and coat during grooming sessions
5. Address any skin abnormalities promptly

Ringworm Myths and Misconceptions

What common misconceptions surround ringworm in pets? Let’s debunk some myths:

Myth 1: Ringworm is caused by worms

As we’ve established, ringworm is a fungal infection, not a parasitic worm infestation.

Myth 2: Only dirty animals get ringworm

While good hygiene can help prevent ringworm, even well-groomed pets can contract the infection if exposed to the fungus.

Myth 3: Ringworm always appears as a circular rash

While the classic presentation is a circular lesion, ringworm can manifest in various ways, including non-circular patches of hair loss or skin inflammation.

Myth 4: Ringworm is a lifelong condition

With proper treatment, most cases of ringworm clear up within a few weeks to months.

Myth 5: If one pet has ringworm, all pets in the household must be treated

While it’s important to monitor all pets for signs of infection, treatment is typically only necessary for those showing symptoms or testing positive for the fungus.

The Future of Ringworm Treatment and Prevention

What advancements are on the horizon for ringworm management in pets? Researchers are exploring several promising avenues:

• Novel antifungal medications with improved efficacy and fewer side effects
• Vaccines to prevent ringworm infections
• Advanced diagnostic tools for faster, more accurate detection
• Innovative environmental decontamination methods

How might these developments impact pet owners and veterinarians? Future advancements could lead to:

• Shorter treatment durations
• Reduced risk of transmission between pets and humans
• More targeted therapies based on specific fungal strains
• Improved prevention strategies in high-risk environments

As research progresses, pet owners can look forward to more effective and convenient ways to protect their furry companions from ringworm infections.

What Does Ringworm Look Like On Dogs And Cats?

Ringworm is a type of infection you can’t see until it starts to affect the appearance of your pet. Unfortunately, ringworm can cause discomfort in both cats and dogs. Even though ringworm sounds like an internal parasite, it’s actually a fungal infection that often results in fur loss in pets. While ringworm isn’t life-threatening, it can cause discomfort. This article will discuss what ringworm looks like on dogs and cats to ensure you know what it is when you see it and can get your pet to the vet for treatment.

• What Is Ringworm?
• What Does Ringworm Look Like on Pets?
• Is Ringworm Contagious to Humans?
• How to Treat Ringworm on Pets
• Preventing the Spread of Ringworm Among Pets
• Final Notes

Even though ringworm sounds like a parasite, it actually has nothing to do with worms at all. Instead, ringworm is a fungal infection of a cat or dog’s skin, hair, and claws.¹ The fungus responsible for ringworm is called dermatophytes, which originate in soil but can be found anywhere. ² Ringworm fungi digest keratin, a protein that acts as the building blocks of hair and nails.²

As they continue to consume keratin, the fungi reproduce and create spores. In cats and dogs, most ringworm cases are caused by Microsporum canis fungus.³ However, ringworm can be caused by three different types of fungi, including:

Ringworm looks similar on dogs and cats, and it can easily be mistaken for other types of skin infections, including skin allergies, dog dermatitis, and skin irritation. Ringworm is a type of fungal skin infection and typically doesn’t require treatment in healthy animals.⁴ However, treatment can help shorten the term of the infection and prevent ringworm from spreading from animal to animal or animal to human.⁴ Additionally, young or stressed animals are more prone to infection, specifically those in crowded homes. ⁴ Typically, signs of ringworm in cats and dogs include hair loss, crusty skin, scaling, and hyperpigmentation.⁴ However, ringworm may manifest differently in dogs and cats.

What Does Ringworm Look Like on a Dog?

Ringworm in dogs can be visible in a few ways, including:

• Itchy skin
• Inflammation and red skin
• Rashes
• Scabs or scales
• Circular areas of patchy hair loss

Your dog may exhibit one or more of these symptoms if they’re infected with ringworm. Some dogs may have gray, scaly patches of hair loss, while others have itchy or inflamed skin. Dogs with ringworm typically develop bald, scaly patches of skin, but they may also develop bumps on their skin.¹ While ringworm symptoms can manifest anywhere, the most common places of ringworm on a dog are the face, ears, tail, and feet.¹

What Does Ringworm Look Like on a Cat?

Ringworm in cats looks similar to ringworm in dogs. However, the most common sign of ringworm in cats includes circular areas of patchy hair loss, broken and dull hair, scaling or crusty skin, and inflamed skin.² Cats may also excessively groom and scratch.

Kittens are most likely to be infected by ringworm, but cats typically get ringworm on the face, ears, tips, tail, and feet, similar to dogs.³ Unfortunately, long-haired cats may not show signs of infection because their fur covers areas of patchy hair loss or inflamed skin.⁵

Looking at pictures of ringworm in cats can help you determine whether your cat has ringworm or another skin condition.

Humans can get ringworm from their pets. Ringworm is typically spread by contact with contaminated objects or infected animals.¹ Ringworm infections in humans typically clear up on their own without the need for treatment, but treatment can reduce recovery time and prevent the fungus from spreading around the house.¹ This also means that humans can pass ringworm to their animals and other humans. If your pet or a family member has ringworm, it’s best to treat them to ensure the infection can’t get passed on. Even though ringworm is not a life-threatening illness, it can cause severe discomfort.

It’s also important to note that exposure to an infected animal or contaminated object may not result in a ringworm infection.⁴ Ultimately, it takes microtrauma to spread the infection. For example, if you’re trimming an infected dog’s fur and accidentally cut yourself, you can get ringworm from the dog. You can also develop ringworm if your dog accidentally scratches you with an infected nail.

Before treatment can begin, a vet must first diagnose ringworm. Because ringworm has symptoms similar to other skin problems in pets, your vet needs to diagnose it to treat it properly. In most cases, vets will want to rule out the other possible causes of patchy fur, flaky skin, itching, and inflammation. They will closely examine your dog’s medical history to determine if they’re allergic to something new or whether they’re suffering from another skin condition.

Ringworm in dogs and cats is diagnosed with a skin culture, which is examined under an ultraviolet lamp.¹ Your vet will also perform skin scrapings and view the skin under a microscope or send it out to a lab. The best treatment for ringworm in pets is typically medicated shampoos and dips that can treat your pet’s coat and skin.¹

If left untreated, ringworm may eventually resolve on its own.² However, it’s typically best to treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to other pets or humans in the same household. Treatment will also help your pet heal faster so they won’t have to deal with discomfort or bald spots that will leave exposed skin.²

Treating ringworm is easy and only requires topical antifungal medications and systemic medication.² However, if there are any lesions, your vet may prescribe other medications to combat infection.

Cats are typically treated with itraconazole at home, while small dogs can be treated with oral itraconazole, ketoconazole, or terbinafine based on their size. ⁴

Depending on the severity of the infection, your vet may also offer itch relief for dogs or cats to prevent excessive scratching or grooming that can lead to sores and infection. Treatment will also involve cleaning your home to kill the fungal spores your pet has shed in their environment.

Ringworm can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, but it doesn’t cause permanent damage. The earlier you recognize the signs and have your pet treated, the sooner you can help get rid of your dog’s ringworm.

Additionally, never stop treatment until your vet has determined that the infection is gone. Stopping treatment early means your dog will still have ringworm. Recurrent infections or infections that don’t heal after a few months are likely due to treatment failure, so you may have to continue treatment and decontaminate your environment again to ensure your pet is ringworm-free.⁶

Remember, even if you continue with your vet’s treatment, your dog can still get a recurring infection if you don’t properly clean your home or if they come into contact with another infected dog after treatment ends. Keeping your home clean and your pet away from other pets with ringworm can help prevent recurring infections.

While ringworm is not life-threatening, it is contagious to other pets. Some dogs are predisposed to ringworm infections. For example, hunting dogs, stressed dogs, and those with pre-existing illnesses are more likely to get ringworm. Additionally, any dog with microtrauma to the skin can get ringworm if they’re in the same vicinity as another infected pet or contaminated object.⁶

Meanwhile, pet parents can take certain steps and precautions to prevent infection in their household. This includes knowing the signs and symptoms of ringworm in pets to minimize an outbreak and having the animal treated as soon as possible. Additionally, it’s best to isolate new pets to help prevent the spread of infection.⁶

Pet parents should also practice good pet hygiene and keep their dogs and homes safe by bathing their dogs regularly, especially after making new friends at the dog park.

Consider keeping them isolated in a room you can clean easily, such as one without carpet, to help decontaminate your home during your pet’s treatment. Additionally, you should wash all clothing, blankets, toys, and other products that have come into contact with your pet to avoid reinfection.

When disposing of your cleaning supplies, consider tossing them into a dumpster or trash bin as soon as possible to prevent spores from traveling throughout your home. You should also continue to wash your pet’s bedding a few times a week while being treated to decontaminate their environment as they shed the fungal spores.

It’s also recommended to avoid touching your pet as much as possible while they’re being treated for ringworm to avoid infection. If you do touch your pet, don’t touch your face or any other part of your body without washing your hands first.

Ringworm is not a life-threatening illness, and dogs with ringworm can still live quality lives. However, ringworm can cause discomfort because it can lead to itchiness, fur loss, exposed skin, and even painful lesions when not appropriately treated. Ringworm in cats and dogs have similar symptoms, but these symptoms may resemble other skin conditions, such as allergies, so it’s always best to visit your vet as soon as possible if you suspect your pet has ringworm. Through specialized tests, your vet can diagnose your cat or dog with ringworm to determine the best course of treatment.

Ringworm is contagious, and your infected pet can pass it on to other pets or humans in your household. Treatment for ringworm in pets typically consists of oral or topical medication that can kill the fungus. However, if you do not take the proper precautions, ringworm can return. Always make sure to thoroughly clean your pet’s environment to prevent recurring infections.

Not sure if your dog has ringworm or allergies? Talk to a Dutch-affiliated veterinarian. With Dutch’s telemedicine for pets, you can help stressed, anxious pets get the care they need without the hassle of going to the vet. Instead, you can talk to a licensed vet from the comfort of your own home and help your pet receive the treatments they need fast.

Dog Ringworm: What Does Ringworm Look Like on a Dog?

Although your dog having ringworm doesn’t seem too harmful initially, it can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. Our Redmond vets explain everything a dog owner should know about ringworm including identifying and treating it.

What is Ringworm?

Surprisingly, ringworm is not in the same category as hookworm, roundworm, or tapeworm. Not actually a worm at all, this fungus leaves circular or semi-circular bald spots and rashes on the skin.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that gets its name from the ring-like/worm-like shape seen on raised (due to swelling) and red skin rashes.

What Does Ringworm Look Like on a Dog?

Ringworm characteristically appears in a circular or ring-shaped pattern on the skin, usually causing the skin to turn red, lose hair, and swell up.

Ringworm in your dog may not present itself in such a noticeable manner, so you should keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Inflamed, red skin rash
• Scales that look like dandruff
• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Dry, brittle hair with hair follicles that break easily
• Circular or patchy areas of hair loss (alopecia)

• Darkened skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Reddened skin (erythema)
• Scabs or raised nodular lesions on the skin
• Inflamed folds of the skin around the claws, or bordering the nails

If you notice any combination of these symptoms in your pup, contact a vet immediately.

How Does a Dog Get Ringworm?

Ringworm can be spread through direct contact with an infected animal or from an object that has been contaminated such as towels, food or water bowls, couches, or carpet. The fungus spores can survive for months, which means ringworm can be spread through the fur that your dog has already shed. The fungus can also remain on surfaces or get trapped in the fibers of carpets, drapes, linens, etc. in your home if they’re not cleaned.

Dogs often get this fungal infection from playing outdoors as some forms of the fungus can live freely in the soil. Your dog’s immune system may be able to fight the fungus off, or it may turn into a localized or more widespread skin infection, depending on many factors including your pet’s overall health, the species of fungus, part of the body affected, the dog’s age, etc.

Sometimes a pet can be a ringworm carrier without showing any visible symptoms. If your dog has been diagnosed with ringworm, it is a good idea to have your other pets checked by a veterinarian to be safe. You should also alert any fellow dog owners and dog-walking buddies that your dog has been infected and is being treated and that they should watch for signs of ringworm in their pets.

How is Ringworm Treated?

If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, there are a variety of good treatments available. Your vet will help you choose the solution best suited for your dog depending on the severity of their ringworm problem.

The treatment process is fairly straightforward with few complications if the fungus is treated in a timely fashion. 

Your vet will likely prescribe your pup a topical medication to apply to the skin or an anti-fungal medication that can be taken orally.

It may also be recommended that you get an environmental decontamination of your house to eliminate any contaminated elements.

Additionally, your vet may recommend shaving the fur around the more infected areas of your dog.

Do not assume your dog is cured because they stop showing symptoms. Continue with the treatment until your dog has been deemed cured by your vet.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your pup is showing signs of ringworm, contact our vets at Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic today.

Lichen. What is Deprive?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Lichen is a group of polyetiological skin diseases characterized by the appearance of loose, itchy elements. There are several varieties of the disease, differing in the type of pathogen, type of rash, localization, contagiousness (eczema – weeping lichen; microsporia, phagus, trichophytosis – ringworm; psoriasis – scaly lichen; pink lichen – pityriasis; shingles). The course of the disease is long, with exacerbations, with the risk of secondary infection of skin rashes, bringing physical and psychological inconvenience to the patient, cosmetic defects.

• Causes of lichen and infection mechanism
• Pityriasis rosea
• Herpes zoster
• Pityriasis versicolor
• Ringworm
• Prices for treatment

General

Lichen is a group of polyetiological skin diseases characterized by the appearance of loose, itchy elements. There are several varieties of the disease, differing in the type of pathogen, type of rash, localization, contagiousness (eczema – weeping lichen; microsporia, phagus, trichophytosis – ringworm; psoriasis – scaly lichen; pink lichen – pityriasis; shingles). The course of the disease is long, with exacerbations, with the risk of secondary infection of skin rashes, bringing physical and psychological inconvenience to the patient, cosmetic defects.

Lichen is a group of skin diseases that are characterized by the appearance of colored and scaly patches. The etiology, routes of infection and course characteristics may be different, since these diseases are grouped according to clinical manifestations – discoloration, the presence of skin peeling or peeling of pustules.

Causes of lichen and mechanism of infection

The main causes of lichen are viral and fungal microflora. The mechanism of infection is not known, since not all people, even those at risk, get lichen. Presumably a combination of factors such as reduced immunity, stressful situations, genetic predisposition, infectious diseases, physical and emotional overstrain increases the likelihood of lichen.

Depending on the age group and gender, the incidence of different types of lichen may vary, but the generalized incidence data are approximately the same. The duration and nature of the course of lichen is also different: from acute to chronic.

Rosacea

The disease has an infectious-allergic nature, occurs everywhere among all age groups, is characterized by the appearance of rounded scaly pink spots on the skin of the body, more often on the skin of the back.

Pityriasis rosea is not a highly contagious disease and family outbreaks are extremely rare. Infection occurs through the general use of bath accessories; provoking factors are a decrease in immunity and viral respiratory infections. Pink lichen is characterized by seasonality, bursts of incidence are recorded in spring and autumn. The absence of relapses of pink lichen suggests that a strong immunity to the disease develops.

The onset of the disease is characterized by the appearance of a single maternal spot of rounded outlines with a diameter of not more than 3 cm, the central part of which acquires a yellowish tint on days 2-3, begins to wrinkle and peel off. After 7-10 days, a lot of similar rashes appear on the skin of the back and chest, but much smaller, rashes of pink lichen are localized mainly along the Langer lines (lines of maximum skin extensibility). Over time, peeling occurs in the center of the lichen, and on the periphery there is a red border; elements do not tend to merge. Itching and other unpleasant sensations are absent.

Inadequate therapy, frequent contact with water, increased sweating increase the duration of the disease, although pink lichen is completely cured in 1.5-2 months. Pink lichen quite often goes away on its own, without any therapy. Patients are not recommended to stay in the sun, wearing synthetic clothing, should limit contact with water. The use of ointments with antibacterial and antifungal substances, such as Sanguiritrin, quickly stop the symptoms of pink lichen. Bactericidal solutions, including herbal ones, have a positive effect, often these measures are enough to cure pink lichen.

Diagnosis of pink lichen is carried out on the basis of examination, differentiation with roseola characteristic of syphilis is necessary.

Herpes zoster

Shingles is of a herpetic nature and occurs upon secondary contact with a virus from the Herpes zoster group, or upon activation of a latent herpes infection. With herpes zoster, the nerve ganglia become inflamed and characteristic rashes appear along the nerve trunks. Mostly people of adult and elderly age are ill, provoking moments are stressful situations, infections and a decrease in immunity.

The course of herpes zoster is variable, from mild forms to severe forms with damage to the central nervous system. Before the onset of the rash, pain is noted along the course of the nerves, and after 3-4 days, skin manifestations appear. With herpes zoster, the surface of the rash first consists of small vesicles, which then shrink into crusts, peeling is sometimes noted. Depending on the severity of the course of herpes zoster, there may be only slight symptoms of general intoxication or meningocephalic symptoms. In complicated forms of herpes zoster, the prognosis is extremely unfavorable.

Characteristic clinical manifestations allow accurate diagnosis based on visual examination and questioning of the patient. The treatment regimen for herpes zoster depends on the intensity of clinical manifestations and the patient’s condition, in almost all cases hospitalization is necessary. Treatment is carried out jointly by a dermatologist and a neurologist. With a pronounced pain syndrome, analgesics and sedatives are indicated, if there are cerebral disorders, then drugs are prescribed that correct the work of the central nervous system. The use of antiviral drugs and immunomodulators is indicated for all patients with herpes zoster. Local treatment is reduced to the use of antiviral ointments and to the prevention of bacterial complications. The prognosis depends on the severity of the course of herpes zoster and on the adequacy of the prescribed therapy.

Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a fungal skin disease that affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Sweating, hot climates, seborrheic skin conditions are predisposing factors for pityriasis versicolor. The incidence of pityriasis versicolor is higher in women and in young people. Outbreaks of infection and relapses of pityriasis versicolor are recorded in the hot season. Infection occurs by contact and household through the use of common combs, household items, as well as through direct contact of a sick person with a healthy one.

Pityriasis versicolor begins with the appearance of a single rounded pink spot, then the same spots, but of a smaller diameter, appear on smooth skin and scalp. With pityriasis versicolor, skin changes are non-inflammatory in nature, the spots are usually yellowish-brown in color, and when they are scraped, slight pityriasis peeling is noted. Spots of pityriasis versicolor are prone to peripheral growth and fusion, itching and other subjective sensations are absent. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, secondary leukoderma is observed on the affected areas of the skin.

Pityriasis versicolor is diagnosed with a careful visual examination, since sometimes due to the insignificance of manifestations and the absence of unpleasant sensations, pityriasis versicolor can be overlooked. Microscopic examination of the scraping reveals mycelium and a characteristic accumulation of fungal filaments. Treatment is carried out with the help of antifungal ointments and tablet preparations, treatment of the affected areas with salicylic alcohol before applying the ointment allows the active substance to penetrate deeper into the layers of the dermis. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is the only prevention of pityriasis versicolor. It is impossible to completely get rid of mycotic cells, and therefore, in the spring, you should use cosmetics with an antifungal effect and avoid insolation to prevent a relapse.

Ringworm

Ringworm or trichophytosis is a fungal skin disease that affects smooth skin, scalp, and less often nails. The source of infection is sick people and animals, infection occurs by contact-household. More common are intrafamilial foci of ringworm and outbreaks in kindergarten.

After the germination of the mycelium, the structure of the hair is disturbed, and they fall out, leaving behind “hemp”, the hair looks like it has been cut off, hence the name – ringworm. On the affected skin, there is a slight peeling and a light plaque from the spores of the fungus. Itching and discomfort are absent. Ringworm can be almost asymptomatic, but upon closer examination, you can notice the “hemp” of the hair. Suppurative forms of ringworm are characterized by the presence of a dense purulent infiltrate, from which pus is released when pressed, infiltrates are of different sizes, but usually occur on the scalp, in the area of ​​​​the beard and mustache. The infiltrate either successfully resolves itself after 7-10 days due to the destructive effect of pus on mycotic cells, or is complicated by abscesses. Without treatment, mycotic cells persist in the periphery and maintain the chronic sluggish course of ringworm.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical manifestations, microscopy of the scraping confirms the mycotic nature of the disease, and the culture of the discharge allows you to identify the type and type of pathogen and determine its sensitivity to antifungal drugs.

Treatment of ringworm is reduced to the local application of antifungal ointments and the internal use of tablet forms. Complicated forms of ringworm require symptomatic therapy. Prevention of ringworm is personal hygiene, timely identification of patients and regular examination of children in children’s institutions.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of lichen.

Sources

1. self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

   Lichen in cats – symptoms and home treatment

   Lichen is a general term used to describe a range of extremely unpleasant skin conditions that can affect both pets and humans. Due to the rather large variety of types of lichen and the complexity of determining the causes, the owners often allow the serious development of the disease in their pets, not taking timely action or trying to treat them with the wrong methods, mistakenly believing that they have established the correct type of disease and its cause.

   In this article we will look at what lichen looks like, what varieties it has, how to protect and warn the animal from its development, and also talk about how to treat lichen in a domestic cat.

   Lichen is a general name for diseases that are similar in symptoms but differ in the nature of their occurrence. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of lichen and pay attention to the signs and symptoms that are characteristic of a particular variety.

   • Ringworm is the most common type caused by a fungal infection. It has a fairly long incubation period, affects the muzzle, ears and paws, on which rounded bald patches appear with wounds, the skin around which is covered with characteristic scales. Such a lichen practically does not cause itching in animals, but it spreads very well and is quite freely transmitted to humans.
   • Pityriasis rosea is another common variety caused by a viral infection. This type is characterized by the appearance of a large number of rounded pink spots, in the development zone of which hair falls out, as well as peeling of the skin and itching. It spreads throughout the body of the animal, is easily transmitted from one cat to another and lasts for 1-2 months.
   • Pityriasis versicolor is another variety that is caused by a fungal infection. It is characterized by the appearance of small, but gradually increasing yellow spots, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich itching and peeling appear. It can be transmitted to other felines and humans, it develops better against the background of a constant high ambient temperature.
   • Lichen planus is associated with problems with the immune system. It is characterized by the appearance of large blisters that burst from scratching and spread itching and scabies over an even larger area.
   • Weeping lichen due to allergies or microbes may be associated with a fungal infection. It is characterized by the appearance of red blisters that cause burning and itching. When combing, the liquid from the bubbles enters the wound and forms a crust after drying.

   How to identify lichen in a cat in a timely manner.

   In order to effectively fight any disease, it is important to notice it in time, and therefore it is very important to know what lichen looks like in cats at the initial stage in order not to start it and not cause even more discomfort to the pet.

   The first signs of lichen can sometimes be very easy to miss, especially when it comes to the ringworm variety, which causes almost no itching. In long-haired cats, it is sometimes almost impossible to conduct a full examination, and in the absence of a bright stimulus, the disease can successfully develop and progress.

   Nevertheless, it is worth keeping an eye on your pet’s mood, because changes in behavior and increased anxiety, combined with frequent scratching, can say a lot. Also, lichen often appears on the ears and on the face, where it is difficult to miss. He himself looks like a rash, makes the skin rougher, provokes the formation of dry scales. Of course, weeping lichen looks a little different, but it is more difficult to miss it, since the animal itself will tell you about the presence of a problem. It is also worth noting that the various stages of lichen in cats can vary from each other, and if you notice the presence of a problem, but cannot diagnose it yourself, it is better to promptly take the animal to a specialist, especially considering that lichen can very well be transmitted to people.

   Prevention of lichen in domestic cats.

   Having understood the main types of lichen and how to determine them, it is worth talking about what causes these diseases in general, and how infection can be prevented in advance. The most common types of lichen are fungal in nature, and therefore there is no way to be 100 percent protected from them, especially if your pet occasionally walks on the street. However, the body of an adult cat has a good natural defense, which is why kittens and weakened animals most often get sick.

   • If your pet has recently been ill, has had surgery or is under severe stress, do not take him outside and help him recover as soon as possible.
   • It is important to maintain a high level of the immune system, for which it is worthwhile to vaccinate and supply the cat with vitamins.
   • Equally important is the availability of a complete diet, suitable for the amount of nutrients and age of the animal.
   • If we are talking about a kitten, you should carefully monitor its condition, select the diet very carefully and in case of hints of any problems, immediately contact the veterinarian. The body of a small animal is very vulnerable, and even with proper handling there is no absolute guarantee of protection, so it is most important to act quickly with them.

   If these points are observed, the probability is very high that you will not have to look for cures for lichen, and you will simply never encounter it.

   Proper treatment for lichen.

   

   In order to determine how to treat lichen in a domestic cat, first you need to accurately determine the type of disease, and along with these, the cause of its occurrence. In the modern market, a wide variety of products are freely available, such as shampoos, sprays, injections, ointments, and so on, but using the wrong drugs will not only not help, but can even harm your pet.

   • Ringworm is most commonly treated with miconazole and thiabendazole ointments. It is also important to isolate the animal from other pets and treat it in such a way that it does not become infected itself.
   • Pink lichen does not require special additional treatment, however, since it develops in kittens, it is worth strengthening their immunity as much as possible with quality food and vitamins. But the use of creams and ointments in this case is contraindicated.
   • Pityriasis versicolor is similar to ringworm, and is also treated with ointments and shampoos in the early stages.