Pet Ringworm News

Posts Tagged ‘dog ringworm cream’

Scratching is a very common symptom in dogs, and you as an owner should aim to nip it in the bud early before self trauma causes secondary injuries to your dog. However, before wondering whether your dog could have an allergy, you must rule out the common parasitic (fleas and mites), bacterial (hot spots) and fungal (ringworm and yeast) infections. See my article Is your Dog Scratching to explore these in greater detail.

Just as allergies have become more common in children these days compared to several generations ago, veterinarians are seeing far more allergies in pets too. It is difficult to explain this phenomenon, theories range from alterations in the content of pet foods to the use of modern day household cleaning products or simply genetic evolution. One thing is certain, whatever the cause, allergic dogs benefit hugely from avoiding the offending allergen or, if that is impossible, appropriate treatment to minimize the itchiness.

Lets start with the presenting signs of an allergy in dogs. Itchiness can manifest itself not only as obvious scratching at the neck and flanks, but also as face rubbing, foot licking or chewing and over grooming. Foot licking, for example, is often perceived by owners as normal, when in fact the dog is responding to itchy feet in the only way it can, by licking them. The skin between the toes may turn red and sore due to the compulsive licking, and in white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers and Bichon Frises, the fur is stained brown by saliva.

Ear infections are another common sign of an underlying allergy. Though general waxiness, hair in the ear canals, lack of ventilation, bacteria and yeast may trigger the infection, an underlying allergy is often the root cause of the itchiness. If your dog gets recurrent ear infections, by eliminating an underlying allergy you may prevent your dog from going over the itchiness threshold and developing full blown ear infections.

So, what are the common allergies in dogs?

For convenience they are best separated into 4 categories.

1)Flea bite hypersensitivity
2)Adverse food reaction
3)Atopic dermatitis
4)Contact dermatitis

Flea bite hypersensitivity is relatively straight forward to cure. It is a simple case of eliminating every single flea on the dog and, crucially, in his/her environment. The itchiness is caused by an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, and so even a solitary flea can trigger a scratching frenzy. To rule out flea bite hypersensitivity, all animals in the house (dogs and cats) should be treated with a reputable veterinary spot on medication monthly without fail, and the house should be thoroughly sprayed with an insecticidal spray.

Adverse food reactions are more difficult to treat as it can be difficult to isolate the precise ingredient responsible for causing itchiness in your dog. Not only that, treating adverse food reactions requires owners to be exceptionally disciplined and motivated in preventing their pet having even a single treat unless the exact ingredients are known to be safe.

There are two ways of diagnosing an adverse food reaction (also known as a food allergy). For those readers for whom cost is not an issue, a blood test can be done to measure for ingredient specific antibodies in the bloodstream. The blood test is quite costly, and if combined with a blood test for environmental allergens is usually upwards of $400 (£200). The company performing the blood test then provides a list of ingredients (chicken, beef, pork, rice, wheat etc) and a score next to them, suggesting which ingredients are best avoided. The owner then picks a commercial diet which does not include any of these ingredients, or indeed a special home cooked diet. The second way to diagnose an adverse food reaction is to conduct a dietary trial. This involves picking a very bland hypoallergenic diet and feeding your dog exclusively that for at least a month, preferably 6 weeks. The author usually suggests turkey and rice, as less dogs are allergic to turkey than chicken. Of course if your dog happened to be allergic to rice or turkey, which is rare but nevertheless possible, you would be none the wiser as the itchiness would continue and you would assume you had ruled out a food allergy having done the turkey and rice dietary trial. Remember if you are doing one of these trials, then your dog must not be given any treats, especially not pigs ears, chews, boneos, dental sticks or any rawhide products. Literally nothing must be swallowed other than turkey and rice (and water!) for the entire trial period.

If you have ruled out flea bite hypersensitivity and ruled out an adverse food reaction, the next step is to consider an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually begin between 1 and 3 years of age, though any age is possible. The itchiness is often seasonal, which is consistent with a pollen allergy, though some dogs are itchy all year round. There are certain breeds which are predisposed to this condition: Boxers, Bull Terriers, Dalmations, English Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Shar Peis, Shih Tzus and West Highland White Terriers being the most commonly affected. Diagnosis is usually made based on the history and ruling out all the other causes of itchiness, and many vets will treat the condition on these presumptions. However, definitive diagnosis can be achieved via a panel of injections into a patch of skin, or blood tests. Neither of these are particularly effective and generally not performed unless the owner is prepared to attempt a desensitization programme. This involves a long term course of injections given by your vet on, say, a monthly basis to desensitize your dog to the offending allergen, and so make the allergic reaction much smaller when he/she does come into contact with it.

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by your dog coming into contact with a chemical that is an irritant. It therefore only tends to affect the stomach, groin and feet of the dog, and is characterized by reddening and drying of the skin in these areas. It can also be seen when owners shampoo their dogs with a product that is not intended for use in dogs. Contact dermatitis is rare, but easily ruled out by careful use of cleaning products around the household. Just think, did the itchiness coincide with the introduction of a new carpet cleaner, washing powder or fabric softener?

By far the best treatment for any allergy is avoidance of the cause. By careful investigation and following the steps above this is often possible, especially for flea bite hypersensitivity, adverse food reactions and contact dermatitis. If avoidance is impossible though, as is the case for many cases of atopic dermatitis, then seasonal or lifelong treatment may be indicated. Steroids are very effective at stopping itchiness caused by allergies, but long term use can lead to undesirable side effects, such as adrenal gland disease. Long term steroid use should only be used as a last resort, when other medications have been tried and failed. These other medications include antihistamines, essential fatty acids and medicated shampoos.

Matthew Homfray

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-itchy-dog-is-it-an-allergy-69692.html

To find out more information to kill ringworm, click here.

Technorati Tags: cat ringworm cream, dog ringworm cream, medicine, pet fungus, pet ringworm treatment, pet ringworm treatments, ringworm treatments, solution, treat pet ringworm, treatment

There are several types of fungal infections which can infect the scalp. One of these is the ringworm commonly referred to as Tinea capitis. Ringworm infection of the scalp is extremely common world wide. It is predominantly an infection of toddlers and young children. The infection is quite obvious because it presents with constant itching, redden scalp and patches of hair loss. Despite the alarming symptoms, ringworm of the scalp is not life threatening. The most difficult problem is the treatment. When it is not adequately treated, it can be easily transmitted to friends and family.

Symptoms: Most children who have a ring worm infection will have some symptoms, but on rare occasions they will not have any. Constant and intense itching around the scalp is the most obvious sign. Other features of the infection include loss of hair in circular patches. Often the skin is red and tender. The hair loss is quite significant. Even the hair that remains can be easily pulled out without any tension. In almost all cases, ringworm infections of the scalp tend to increase in size if it is not treated. A small patch will generally infect other areas of the scalp. Besides infection of other areas of the scalp, ringworms can easily be transmitted to others: person to person transmission is quite common. Other modes of transmission include sharing personal care items, bed linen pillows and combs. Sometimes pets acquire the infection and can transmit it to humans.

Risk factors

Ringworm is most common in children who attend day care and kindergarten. Outbreaks of ringworm infections are quite common in North America and difficult to control. Even inanimate objects like pencils, door handles, chairs and tables can transmit this fungus. The risk of ringworm infection is also increased if:

- one has poor hygiene

- lives in overcrowded conditions

- has problems with excessive sweating

- shares personal care items in a large family

Once a ringworm infection of the scalp is suspected, it is important to seek help from a health care professional. This fungus is quite hardy and is easily transmitted to others in the home.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of tinea capitis is relatively simple. In most cases the dermatologist will be able to make a diagnosis based on the history and physical examination. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, scrapings of the skin or hair can be examine underneath a microscope. In rare cases, the hair and skin are sent for culture.

Fungus of the scalp is not serious but can have social and health implications. If not treated, the fungus can causes a severe infection known as kerion. Kerion is basically collection of pus underneath the scalp. When the fungus has reached the stage of a kerion, most people are left with permanent hair loss and even scars.

Treatment

Once the diagnosis of tinea capitis is made, treatment of scalp infection includes a variety anti fungal medications. The most common medications are Griseofulvin and Terbinafine.

Griseofulvin is available as liquid and tablet whereas terbinafine is an oral capsule. These medications have to be taken for at least 4-6 weeks. Topical medications are not useful in the treatment of tinea capitis because they are not able to penetrate deep into the scalp and enter hair follicles. There is no shampoo or gel that is useful in the treatment of tinea capitis.

The medications work slowly and changes are gradual. In most cases, the pills must be taken for several weeks to notice a change in the condition of the scalp.

Prevention

Tinea capitis is best prevented, but prevention of this infection is quite difficult. The fungus is very easily transmitted. The majority of people acquire the fungus long before they have any symptoms. The only way to prevent the fungus is with the following approach:

Maintain decent hygiene. Clean or shampoos the scalp regularly. Regularly wash your hands and teach your children the same principles.

Do not share personal care items, especially in school or in any type of social gathering.

Teach your child to keep his/her personal locker/desk clean at school. After any outdoor activity, the clothes should be changed and personal items should not be shared.

Examine your child’s scalp every now and then so that you can identify the infection at an early stage.

If you have pets, examine them and if they appear sick, take them to a veterinarian. If your pet is sick, do not touch the pet with bare hands.

If you suspect that your pet or child has an infection, buy selenium sulfide shampoo and use it regularly. If the infection appears to be getting worse, go to your health care worker or veterinarian.

Bren Fisher

http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/fungus-infection-of-the-scalp-tinea-capitis-719899.html

To find a good ringworm shampoo, look here.

Technorati Tags: cat ringworm cream, cat ringworm over the counter, cat ringworm shampoo, dog ringworm cream, dog ringworm shampoo, ringworm over the counter

Ringworm is a common infection of the skin that can be found both at humans and animals, especially cats, which are the most common ringworm carriers.

Although its name suggests that it is caused by a worm, in fact it is caused by a fungus. This fungus grows on the skin and feeds with the dead skin and hair cells there. The areas of skin that are infected with ringworm are usually round, and they have a red color at their edges, but in their center the skin looks almost normal. The red areas are shaped like a ring and they are also swollen because the fungus irritates the skin, so the place looks like a red round worm. This is where the name ringworm comes from.

The symptoms of ringworm can be seen on the skin surface. A doctor can diagnose ringworm just by taking a look at the infected areas. In some cases a more thorough analysis needs to be made to determine the nature of the fungus, so the doctor may take a small sample of skin tissue from the places where the fungus grows.

In the beginning ringworm looks like a small pimple or mosquito bite. Then it starts to grow as the fungus begins to evolve and spread. If hair grows in the area then the infected place will lose it, so red bald patches of skin will appear. Some patients also have a yellow crust over the infection.

As ringworm progresses the areas get bigger and they begin to be shaped like a ring. The skin in those areas in always itchy and soon more red patches will appear if it is not treated.

Depending on where the symptoms appears ringworm is called ringworm of the scalp, ringworm of the groin, or athlete’s foot if it appears on the feet.

The treatment for ringworm is easy, especially if the doctors discover it early.

If there are only a few places with the fungus on them then the doctor will prescribe you an antifungal cream. These ointments can be purchased without a prescription but it’s best to ask the doctor before deciding to use one. The cream must be applied directly on the infected skin for as long as it takes to for ringworm to go away and some time afterwards to make sure all the fungus cells are dead.

However if ringworm has spread to too any areas then antifungal pills are required to cure it. They are usually taken once a day and they are pretty strong so the effect should be seen in a few days.

IT’s easy to cure ringworm, but first you must recognize it from its symptoms and go to a doctor for an accurate diagnosis as soon as you see any signs of it. If you want to prevent it, always wash and clean yourself and avoid using items that are regularly used by many people.

So, if you want to find out more about ringworm or even about ringworm of the scalp, please click this website http://www.ringworm-center.com

Groshan Fabiola

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/all-about-the-ringworm-symptoms-and-treatment-87094.html

For more information on a ringworm cream for dogs, look here.

Technorati Tags: animal fungus, canine ringworm, cat, cat fungus, cat ringworm cream, cat ringworm meds, dog fungus, dog ringworm cream

Ringworm is a common fungal infection. There can be multiple forms of ringworm, and the disease can affect different parts of the body. Ringworm commonly infects the skin on the hands, feet, neck and face. The disease can also affect the scalp or the nails. Ringworm first appears like a red dot on the skin. As the infection evolves, the inflammation worsens and the redness expands, covering more skin. In the absence of medical treatment for ringworm, the infection spreads quickly and the disease can aggravate rapidly. Left untreated, blisters and pustules may occur on the skin patches affected by ringworm and the infected areas become itchy. The borders of the affected skin become raised, crusty and have a ring-like aspect; hence the disease was given the name “ringworm”.

Ringworm is caused by infection with a species of fungal organisms called dermatophytes. These fungi commonly populate the soil and they can be found everywhere in nature. Ringworm is very contagious and the fungal organisms responsible for causing the disease can either be contracted directly, through physical contact with infected people or animals, or indirectly, through physical contact with contaminated objects. Many domestic animals are infected with dermatophytes and ringworm is common in furry animals such as cats and dogs. Although many animals are carriers for the infectious fungal elements responsible for causing ringworm, very few are actually affected by the disease.

People who acquire ringworm can be carriers for the fungal organisms without showing any symptoms of disease. The infection may occur only if the persons who have contracted the infectious fungal elements present skin lesions, scratches or irritation. Damaged skin allows the fungi to penetrate the superficial epidermal layers, in which case they can cause inflammation and infection.

In the absence of an appropriate treatment for ringworm, the infection evolves rapidly and the inflamed skin regions are also susceptible to bacterial infection. The treatment for ringworm should commence as soon as the infected persons show signs of the disease. The most effective treatments for ringworm should contain antifungal materials, either under the form of oral pills, or under the form of creams, gels and lotions for external use. Antifungal medications are aimed at killing the fungi and they can clear the infection in about 7-10 days if ringworm is uncomplicated. In order to prevent the recurrence of the disease, the treatment for ringworm should continue for another 10 days after the symptoms have disappeared.

Ketoconazole-containing medicines are very effective in the treatment for ringworm. Nizoral shampoo contains ketoconazole (a powerful antifungal substance) and it is commonly used in the treatment for ringworm. The shampoo should be applied on the scalp and on the entire body skin in order to ensure complete eradication of the infectious fungi. Nizoral should be used 2-3 times a week in order to achieve the best results.

Hydrochloride cream (Lamisil) is also very effective in overcoming fungal infections and it has been successfully used in the treatment for ringworm. Lamisil should be used daily, applying the cream on the affected regions of the skin. In order to potentate the action of the cream, the skin needs to be clean and dry.

Although external treatments for ringworm are effective in overcoming infections of the skin, if the disease affects the nails, oral medications are required. Oral Lamisil and Griseofulvin are common in the treatment for ringworm and they can be successfully used in overcoming infections of the nails. However, keep in mind that the oral treatments for ringworm have many side-effects and they aren’t recommended for long-term use. If you have dermatophytosis, it is best to pay a visit to your dermatologist in order to receive the treatment for ringworm that is most appropriate to you.

So, if you want to find out more about ringworm treatment or even about cure for ringworm, please click this website http://www.ringworm-center.com

Groshan Fabiola

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/medications-used-in-the-treatment-for-ringworm-68725.html

Find out more about ringworm on dogs from PetsBestRx, here.

Technorati Tags: animal fungus, canine ringworm, cat fungus, cat ringworm cream, cat ringworm meds, dog ringworm cream, Ringworm Symptoms in cats

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the body skin, scalp, or nails. The disease occurs due to infection with dermatophytes, a type of fungal organisms that commonly populate the soil and are very widespread in nature. Also referred to as tinea, ringworm is very contagious and it can be acquired by anyone. The disease mostly occurs in children and in people that constantly interact with animals. The fungal elements responsible for causing ringworm can be contracted directly, by skin contact with contaminated people or animals, or indirectly, by entering in contact with contaminated objects. Ringworm is commonly acquired from cats or dogs, as these animals are often carriers of dermatophytes. Good personal hygiene is crucial in the prevention of ringworm and it is also advised not to use other people’s personal items. If you have a cat or a dog, pay regular visits to the vet’s in order to make sure that your pet isn’t infected with dermatophytes.

The first symptoms of ringworm of the scalp usually appear in about 10-14 days from contamination, while the symptoms of ringworm on other body regions may appear a little earlier. The disease is mainly diagnosed upon the patients’ reports of symptoms and upon close physical examination. Considering the fact that the symptoms of ringworm don’t always point to infection with dermatophytes, doctors usually take a sample of the patients’ affected skin for laboratory analysis. In the initial stages of the infection, the symptoms of ringworm are not intense and they may not be suggestive for contamination with fungal organisms. Therefore, the best means of diagnosing the disease is to carefully analyze skin samples taken from the patients’ affected regions of the body.

General symptoms of ringworm are: skin inflammation, rash, reddish aspect of the skin, small blisters on the skin, itching and soreness. The skin infection spreads in circular patches with prominent margins, giving the inflamed skin a ring-like aspect. The edges of the affected skin are usually more affected by the infection and they are sometimes covered with a crust. As the infection progresses towards other areas of the skin, the central regions of the inflamed patches begin to heal.

When the infection affects the scalp, the symptoms of ringworm are: small bumps, yellowish aspect of the affected areas on the scalp, exfoliation, temporary hair loss. If the fungal infection occurs in the regions of the feet, the symptoms of ringworm are: dry, cracked skin, scaling and thickening of the skin. When the disease affects the nails, the symptoms of ringworm are: nail deterioration, thickening, yellowish aspect of the nails. When the infection is localized on the face, the symptoms of ringworm are: red spots on the skin, swelling, inflammation and exfoliation.

It is best to timely discover the symptoms of ringworm, in order to prevent the spreading of the infection and the occurrence of complications. Also, if the disease is discovered and treated in time, the fungal infection will not be transmitted to other people. It is advised to see a dermatologist as soon as you have the first symptoms of ringworm.

So, if you want to find out more about ringworm symptoms or even about ringworm medication, here.

Groshan Fabiola

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-recognize-the-symptoms-of-ringworm-68726.html

Technorati Tags: cat ringworm cream, dog ringworm cream, dog ringworm symptoms, pet ringworm treatment, pet ringworm treatments, ringworm creams, ringworm medicine

Did you know that your cats ringworm is not a real honest to goodness worm? That’s right cat lovers. Your cat isn’t infected with a worm, but a fungus. If you’re into big names the medical term is dermatophytosis. Let’s keep it simple and use ringworm throughout this article. This article will give you 4 tips about your feline’s ringworm.

1, Your Cats Ringworm And Your Children.

Ringworm is extremely contagious. Your cat can pass it on to your children, you and other animals. You or the kids can infect someone else or another pet. Not only can it be passed on to others, it can be spread to other parts of your body or the bodies of your child or pet.

It is impetrative that you have your animal treated as soon as possible. In addition, if your child or you, are infected you should consult with your family physician. In most cases if the fungus is treated properly you will start to see improvement within the first few days.

Within 7 to 10 days there should be a complete recovery from the fungus.  However, the doctor or your vet may recommend continued treatment for up to 2 or 3 weeks to make sure there is no reoccurrence of the infection.

2. How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Ringworm?

You should understand that in some cases there will be no outer signs of the fungus infection on some cats. However, your cat can still be a carrier and infect you, your children and your other pets. If you suspect your animal is a carrier call your vet.

If this is the case how can your cat or you be a carrier? Actually that is pretty simple to explain. The fungus can be anywhere. It can be in the grass, on the sidewalk, flowerbeds and can even be in the air ducts of your home.

During the incubation period of the fungus it develops spores, which can be picked up by your pet or you. When your animal or you move about the spores will drop off into the carpet, furniture, clothing, and bedding. Therefore the spores then can be picked up by your heating and air conditioning unit to be circulated through out your home.

3. How You Can Identify The Cats Ringworm.

First let’s talk about how ringworm can be spotted on your favorite feline. In most cases you will spot the fungus on the head, around the ears or eyes or on the paws and nails of your cat.

Generally this is demonstrated by the circles of hair loss or flaky red skin in a circular form. You may notice your kitty scratching and licking the wounded area. Furthermore you may well see an increase in broken hairs and patches of flakey skin on the pets bedding, the carpeting, your clothing or your furniture.

One area you need to think about checking closely is the cat’s paws. There is a variety of the fungus, which seems to concentrate in the pads of the paws or under the nail beds of your pet.

Second let’s talk about how to spot it on your child’s body or on your self. Very likely you will have an itchy sensation, in the area, where the fungus has penetrated the skin. As it continues to fester you will see a red circular pattern on the infected area. You may also observe dead looking skin flakes. Again you should contact your doctor in the event you see an outbreak on you or your child.

4. What Are The Treatments For Your Cats Ringworm?

At last there is some good news. Ringworm is easily treated by your vet and you. In the majority of the cases the vet may prescribe an antifungal cream and shampoo. It’s usually a matter of shampooing your favorite pet every other day and applying the cream as directed by the vet.

Surprisingly enough your personal physician will recommend a very similar treatment for you or your child. It’s possible they may prescribe and antifungal soap and cream. However, the doctor may just tell you to pick up the soap and cream across the counter at your local discount store or drugstore.

In conclusion you, your children and your wonderful pet can be infected by cats ringworm. But it is easily treated and cured with the proper medication.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended for any type of medical advice for you or your pet. It is intended for information purposes only. Always consult your personal doctor and your pet’s vet in case of a medical problem.

Andri Irawan

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/4-tips-about-cats-ringworm-and-your-children-710365.html

Technorati Tags: cat ringworm cream, cat ringworm medicine, cat ringworm meds, cat ringworm symptoms, dog ringworm cream, ringworm cream