Treating Black Skin in Cats with Ringworm: Can It Retur

Ringworm, also known as fungal dermatitis, is one of the most common skin ailments affecting cats. It's not just a skin issue; it can lead to a variety of symptoms such as redness, dandruff, and hair loss in felines. In some cases, it can even cause changes in skin color, including thickening, darkening, and scabbing.

When faced with such a situation, how should we proceed?

Understanding Ringworm

Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to understand what ringworm actually is.

Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection, with the most common culprit being the Microsporum genus. This fungus can infect a cat's skin, fur, and claws, leading to inflammation, hair loss, and the formation of circular or irregular patches. Additionally, the affected areas may experience mild itching.

Why Does Ringworm Skin Turn Black?

Many cats develop darkened skin at the site of ringworm infection, though this isn't a universal outcome. Common reasons for this change in color might include:

● Inflammatory Response: The fungal infection can lead to hyperkeratosis and follicle damage, potentially triggering inflammation that causes melanin to settle in the skin.

● Drug Irritation: Some cats have sensitive skin, and overly stimulating or frequent use of certain medications can lead to pigmentation.

● OverGrooming: Cats that excessively scratch or lick their skin can cause trauma, which, upon healing, may leave behind pigmented scars, darkening the skin color.

Can Skin Color Return to Normal?

Most often, the skin color changes caused by ringworm will gradually return to normal once the infection is cured. However, this process can take time due to the lengthy skin cell turnover cycle. Patience is key for pet owners during this period.

While waiting for the skin to heal, consider supplementing your cat's diet with Supervet (a complex vitamin B solution), which contains a variety of vitamins beneficial for skin health. Vitamin B3 can reduce inflammation and improve pigmentation, while Vitamin B2 aids in cell metabolism, and Vitamin B12 promotes skin repair.

How to Treat Ringworm

If the ringwormaffected skin has darkened, it may be advisable to discontinue the use of topical antifungal creams or sprays to minimize skin irritation.

Cats over three months old can be given oral itraconazole and fish oil, along with liverprotecting medications to reduce liver damage. If itraconazole is taken for more than a month, it's important to monitor liver function at a veterinary clinic.

For those who wish to continue using topical treatments, opt for gentler options such as Pipette Skin Spray combined with Dasatin (ketоконазол cream) or Pipette (terbinafine hydrochloride spray), applying three times daily. Before each application, clean the skin with iodine or saline to remove dandruff and any contaminated residue from previous treatments.

In summary, in most cases, the darkened skin of a cat with ringworm will gradually return to normal as the infection clears. While some severe cases may not fully regain their original color, as long as new fur grows back in the affected area, the impact on the cat's appearance is usually minimal.