Treating Kitten Ringworm
Kitten ringworm is a fungal skin infection that attacks the hair follicles. The infection is transmitted by fungal spores the move from host to host. In kittens, feline ringworm can simply look like broken hairs and may not necessarily take on its characteristic “ring-like” appearance. There may or may not be profuse itching in the area of skin affected by the fungal infection.
Cat ringworm can affect not only the hair follicles, but also the nails. Kittens can also be asymptomatic carriers of the infection; meaning that they may not have the active signs of ringworm yet they can infect both other animals and humans.
In addition, ringworm can be spread very easily. Bedding, clothing, and flooring can carry fungal spores. That’s why it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after you handle kittens. When kittens scratch profusely a ringworm infected area of skin, they can introduce other bacterial skin infections. That’s why treatment of kitten ringworm is so important.
Testing for Ringworm
Ringworm is not only detected by its characteristic appearance. It is also diagnosed by the use of skin scrapings that are analyzed via microscope to check for the presence of spores. An ultraviolet light (using a Wood’s lamp) may be used to see the ringworm lesions more clearly. As certain types of fungi lesions glow under UV light.
Kitten Ringworm Treatments
There are many treatments available to eliminate ringworm. Just keep in mind not to give your kitten any steroid based products that can lower your kitten’s immunity to fighting off infections and can make ringworm worse. Here are just a few of the available treatments for the skin condition.
- Dips and Shampoos
Dips and shampoos can be effective tools against ringworm. Before using topical medications, it will be necessary to clip away the broken hair surrounding the ringworm infected area. The active ingredients in dips can kill the ringworm fungus. The most effective ingredients in ringworm dips and shampoos include chlorhexidine, lime sulfur, and miconazole.
- Oral Medications
Oral anti-fungal medications are strong medications that can cause side effects and birth defects cats. They are highly effective but their benefits have to be weighed against the risks of use. Griseofulvin, fluconazole, and itraconazole are just a few of the oral anti-fungal medications available.
- Neem
Neem is an ayurvedic herb that originated in India. Neem has powerful affects against ringworm and other skin infections. You can buy the oil or the powdered form at many East Indian grocery stores and health food stores. Just make a paste by adding water to the powder and apply it to the affected area.
- Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver has potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Put the liquid silver onto the area of infection.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal helps to soothe and calm itchy skin. Oatmeal baths and soaks can be applied to the skin to relieve inflamed areas.
- Clay
Clay such as calcium or sodium montmorillonite bentonite can help resolve ringworm by drying out the lesions. Make a paste by mixing water and clay together and apply it to the lesions.
- Vaccination
There is a ringworm vaccine available. However, it usually is used when multiple cats are infected or with recurrent ringworm infections.
To prevent the spread of ringworm to your other pets and throughout your home, sterilize spaces used by your infected kitten. Use chlorine based bleach as needed to disinfect bedding and floors. And vacuum affected areas to get rid of left over spores.
Remember…kitten ringworm flourishes in a warm, moist environment. Keep your kitten’s skin as clean and dry as possible.
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