Black Ringworm on Cats: Treatment & Can It Fade?

Many cat owners, when treating ringworm in their felines, often notice that the affected skin starts to turn black. This isn't due to black scabs, but rather a discoloration of the skin itself, which can be quite alarming to see.

But why does ringworm turn black? And how should it be treated at this stage?

Part 1: Why Does Ringworm Turn Black?

1. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can lead to skin issues in cats. Severe infections can damage the base of the skin, causing hair loss or the deposition of melanin, resulting in darkened skin.

2. Treating ringworm can be a lengthy process. The repeated cleaning and application of topical medications can irritate the skin, potentially damaging hair follicles and leading to melanin deposition.

3. Ringworm can easily lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially if the cat licks the affected area frequently, which can result in inflammatory melanin deposition.

Part 2: Treating Ringworm When the Skin Turns Black

When the skin turns black, it typically indicates that the ringworm has reached a more advanced stage. However, this doesn't mean the cat is on the mend. Persistence is key; continue applying medication to ensure the fungus on the skin is completely eradicated, as the condition can recur otherwise.

Before applying medication, gently wipe the affected area with iodine to remove dandruff and scabs, allowing the medication to penetrate deeper into the skin.

✨ Topical treatments can include medications like Dasatinib (Ketoconazole Cream) and Pipret (Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray), which are antifungal. For more severe infections, oral antifungal medications such as Itraconazole and Terbinafine may be necessary.

✅ Once new fur starts to grow back, and there is no green fluorescence when checked with a Wood's lamp, or if a skin scraping test at the vet's office no longer detects fungi, it's a sign that the ringworm is mostly healed, and you can gradually discontinue the medication.

Part 3: Can Blackened Skin from Ringworm Return to Normal?

Generally, skin that darkens due to ringworm or other skin conditions can gradually return to its original color within 1 to 2 months after discontinuing treatment. For larger areas or deeper discolorations, it may take several months. Patience is key.

In rare cases, severe melanin deposition may not fully reverse, but as long as new fur grows, it won't significantly impact the cat's appearance.

• Consider supplementing your cat's diet with immuneboosting supplements like lactoferrin, Antitrypsin (IgY Antibody Factor), and taurine. Also, provide B vitamins, lecithin, and unsaturated fatty acids to enhance your cat's resistance and aid in fur growth.

• Protect your cat's affected skin from prolonged exposure to strong sunlight to prevent further melanin deposition.

• Ensure your cat wears an Elizabethan collar during treatment to prevent it from licking the area, which could worsen the skin damage or lead to secondary bacterial infections.

In summary, the darkening of ringwormaffected skin is a sign of improvement, though it's a form of aftermath. It doesn't necessarily mean the cat is on the mend, so continued treatment is essential. Later on, focusing on nutritional supplementation can aid in skin repair and fur growth for your furry friend.