Quick Treatment for Feline Scalp Ringworm: Easy Steps!

Many pet parents panic when they spot ringworm on their cats, trying out every treatment method they find online. Unfortunately, this often results in little to no effect on the cat and even the humans catching the infection.

But, in reality, ringworm in cats is a common skin condition that's quite manageable with the right approach. It's all about paying attention to some key details. Today, I'll delve into the specifics, providing you with all the essential information you need to know. Be sure to bookmark this guide!

What is Ringworm in Cats?

Ringworm in cats typically presents as one or more circular patches on the skin. These patches are often red, scaly, and surrounded by white flaky skin. If you notice these symptoms, it's likely your cat has ringworm!

Ringworm can be quite itchy for cats, leading them to scratch, bite, or rub the affected areas against furniture or corners. Left untreated, the patches can spread and may lead to infections, inflammation, and even secondary bacterial infections, which can result in pustular ringworm.

How to Diagnose Ringworm in Cats?

There's a quick and simple way to diagnose ringworm: the伍德氏灯(Wood's lamp) test. Most cases of ringworm are caused by Microsporum canis, a fungus that emits an applegreen fluorescence under the light of a伍德氏灯(Wood's lamp). You can compare the results with the image below:

However, some strains of ringworm may not show fluorescence under the伍德氏灯(Wood's lamp), so this test isn't always conclusive. For a more accurate diagnosis, it's best to visit a veterinarian for skin scrapings or fungal cultures.

How to Treat Ringworm on a Cat's Head?

When you discover your cat has ringworm, it's crucial to start treatment right away!

Small areas of ringworm can often be cured with topical medications and boosting the cat's immune system. For larger or more severe infections, oral medications are usually necessary.

— Treatment Steps:

1. Before applying any treatment, it's essential to first clean the affected area with iodine to remove hair, scales, and crusts. This ensures the medication can penetrate the skin effectively.

2. Topical treatments can include medications like Daktarin (ketоконазол cream), Pimafucin (terbinafine hydrochloride spray), and clotrimazole cream, applied 2 to 3 times daily.

3. For more extensive or severe infections, oral itraconazole may be prescribed, taken once daily at a dosage of 5 to 10 mg/kg, with a week on and a week off.

Important Considerations

1. Fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from licking the medication off the affected areas.

2. Supplement your cat's diet with vitamins B, omega3 unsaturated fatty acids, and lecithin to enhance its immune system and aid in skin repair.

3. Isolate your cat from others and thoroughly disinfect its living environment and any items it has come into contact with to prevent recurring infections.

Addressing ringworm promptly is not only responsible pet care but also protects your family from potential exposure. If your cat's condition doesn't improve after a period of treatment, consult your veterinarian to rule out mixed infections with other pathogens.