Help for Ringworm
Treatment involves various oral and topical medications, vaccinations against ringworm as well as proper hygiene and sanitation of your home and pet’s environment. In some pets, ringworm resolves by itself. However, medications can cure the infection and speed recovery. Oral medications such as Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole or lufenuron may be prescribed but have been known to cause serious side effects.
Topical treatments such as shampoos and anti-fungal creams are used to reduce infection in other people and animals. Your pet’s hair will be clipped in order for treatment to be more effective.
While vaccinations for ringworm are available, they are not effective alone and should be used in conjunction with oral or topical therapy. Make sure that you clean your home and pet’s environment thoroughly with sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach) and avoid contact with other pets.
Natural Remedies
Natural and holistic treatments have proven to be highly effective in treating skin problems in both humans and pets. Herbal and aromatherapy treatments are safe and gentle to use on your pet without any harsh side effects. Read more... (516 words, 2 images, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm, also referred to as dermaphytosis, is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin. It typically affects the scalp, body and nails. Ringworm tends to affect younger animals more frequently. Pets with weakened immune systems or pre-existing skin disorders are also more susceptible to ringworm.
What Causes Ringworm?
This infection is transmitted directly from one animal to the other animal. Pets may also spread the infection to people or it may be spread from person to person. Because fungi is part and parcel of our environment, this infection in pets may also be spread indirectly by sharing food and water bowls, hair brushes, sleeping environments or digging in contaminated soil.
There are three types of fungi that cause ringworm and these include Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes:
* In cats, most cases of ringworm develop as a result of Microsporum canis
* In dogs, most cases of ringworm develop as a result of Microsporum gypseum
* Both dogs and cats may develop ringworm as a result of Trichophyton mentagrophytes if they are exposed to rodents or the burrows they inhabit.
Diagnosing Ringworm Read more... (543 words, 2 images, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)