The fungal infection commonly called ringworm is often seen on dogs, cats or even children. Ringworm infection is also called Tinea and the fungus can be spread to others by means of direct contact. Pets can spread Tinea among themselves or even transmit the infection to humans.
The popular name ringworm probably evolved because the typical infection presents initially as a round red or brown circle of skin surrounding normal skin. It resembles a worm curled in a circle. This skin problem has nothing to do with worms however.
The skin eruptions often seen with Tinea might be crusty and moist in appearance, or they might be dry red and scaly. The skin usually erupts in small patches and with pets results in small areas of hair loss. When a family pet had developed as a fungal overgrowth of this nature it is of great concern to a family with children that the infection not be passed to the children.
Often laboratory tests are deemed unnecessary to diagnose this condition. Doctors and veterinarians may well arrive at a diagnosis simply by observation of the lesions. In some cases the skin condition can be so severe that secondary bacterial infections can result. In the case of secondary infections a doctor or veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics to control them.
A ringworm infection in humans could be eliminated by using a common over-the-counter antifungal treatment. In many cases these treatments can be applied directly to the affected areas. In addition all clothing bedding and other personal items should be carefully washed and sanitized. Special measures should be taken to ensure this infection is not passed to other family members or pets.
If the fungal overgrowth does not respond to topical treatments then visiting a medical professional is advisable. In some cases an oral antibiotic or antifungal medication may be indicated, this is a decision made by the medical professional at the time of examination. In some cases the skin eruptions can have causes other than a fungal infection.
Pets with a fungal infection such as ringworm can be more difficult to treat than humans. The reason is most pets are covered by fur which makes the topical approach more difficult. Normally shaving a pets fur completely off is not recommended unless advised by a veterinarian due to a very severe fungal overgrowth.
Household pets with a fungal infection should be kept away from children until the problem has been solved. The reason for this is because ringworm is transmitted through direct contact. There are many approaches to the treatment of Tinea. Some veterinarians may recommend a dip or rinse for the pet. Sometimes with very severe infections oral antifungal treatment may be used by the vet. In addition to the medications the pets living area should be disinfected as thoroughly as possible.
Lime sulfur is a time-honored treatment for pets. It has a strong and very objectionable odor and the pet should be rinsed two to three times a week in this solution. Pills such as Griseofulvin might be prescribed by the vet. However, medications of this nature may also require a special diet. In order for the medication to work all directions must be followed. Veterinarians can prescribe topical creams, which may be effective but with some animals may be difficult to apply.
Whether the skin lesions appear on a human or a pet, if the owner or parent is unsure that it is ringworm then medical or veterinary advice should be sought immediately. There are skin conditions that can appear to be Tinea but can possibly be more severe. Whenever ringworm is suspected, proper sterilization of all personal items and grooming tools is important to prevent further spread of this fungal skin condition.
The popular name ringworm probably evolved because the typical infection presents initially as a round red or brown circle of skin surrounding normal skin. It resembles a worm curled in a circle. This skin problem has nothing to do with worms however.
The skin eruptions often seen with Tinea might be crusty and moist in appearance, or they might be dry red and scaly. The skin usually erupts in small patches and with pets results in small areas of hair loss. When a family pet had developed as a fungal overgrowth of this nature it is of great concern to a family with children that the infection not be passed to the children.
Often laboratory tests are deemed unnecessary to diagnose this condition. Doctors and veterinarians may well arrive at a diagnosis simply by observation of the lesions. In some cases the skin condition can be so severe that secondary bacterial infections can result. In the case of secondary infections a doctor or veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics to control them.
A ringworm infection in humans could be eliminated by using a common over-the-counter antifungal treatment. In many cases these treatments can be applied directly to the affected areas. In addition all clothing bedding and other personal items should be carefully washed and sanitized. Special measures should be taken to ensure this infection is not passed to other family members or pets.
If the fungal overgrowth does not respond to topical treatments then visiting a medical professional is advisable. In some cases an oral antibiotic or antifungal medication may be indicated, this is a decision made by the medical professional at the time of examination. In some cases the skin eruptions can have causes other than a fungal infection.
Pets with a fungal infection such as ringworm can be more difficult to treat than humans. The reason is most pets are covered by fur which makes the topical approach more difficult. Normally shaving a pets fur completely off is not recommended unless advised by a veterinarian due to a very severe fungal overgrowth.
Household pets with a fungal infection should be kept away from children until the problem has been solved. The reason for this is because ringworm is transmitted through direct contact. There are many approaches to the treatment of Tinea. Some veterinarians may recommend a dip or rinse for the pet. Sometimes with very severe infections oral antifungal treatment may be used by the vet. In addition to the medications the pets living area should be disinfected as thoroughly as possible.
Lime sulfur is a time-honored treatment for pets. It has a strong and very objectionable odor and the pet should be rinsed two to three times a week in this solution. Pills such as Griseofulvin might be prescribed by the vet. However, medications of this nature may also require a special diet. In order for the medication to work all directions must be followed. Veterinarians can prescribe topical creams, which may be effective but with some animals may be difficult to apply.
Whether the skin lesions appear on a human or a pet, if the owner or parent is unsure that it is ringworm then medical or veterinary advice should be sought immediately. There are skin conditions that can appear to be Tinea but can possibly be more severe. Whenever ringworm is suspected, proper sterilization of all personal items and grooming tools is important to prevent further spread of this fungal skin condition.
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