Blackened Ears in Cats with Ringworm: How to Treat?

As the summer heat rolls in, many cats start to exhibit skin issues. Among these, ringworm, a fungal skin disease, is a common ailment that not only causes itching, hair loss, and dandruff in cats but can also lead to darkening of the skin. So, what should you do if your cat develops blackened ears due to a ringworm infection?

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that is often spread among cats and can occasionally be transmitted to humans through contact or the environment. The fungi responsible for ringworm typically belong to the Microsporum and Trichophyton genera.

The symptoms of ringworm usually include red skin patches, hair loss, and scales, along with fragile hair that breaks easily around the affected area.

In cases like the one described, where the ears turn black, this is often due to localized hyperpigmentation caused by the fungal infection or secondary bacterial infections.

How to Address Blackened Ears?

1. Wood's Lamp Examination: Find a dimly lit area and use a Wood's lamp to shine on the suspected ringworm areas. If a distinct green fluorescence appears, it's a strong indication of ringworm.

2. Medication: Treatment for ringworm usually involves antifungal medications such as Ketoconazole Ointment (Daktarin), Terbinafine Hydrochloride Spray (Pipette), and Itraconazole.

3. Cleaning and Care: To minimize hyperpigmentation, clean the area with physiological saline or iodine solution before applying medication. Additionally, feeding your cat fish oil and Bcomplex vitamins can aid in cell metabolism, promoting skin repair, inflammation reduction, and hair regrowth.

4. Prevent Licking: Frequent licking can exacerbate skin damage and stimulate the production of inflammatory substances, leading to hyperpigmentation. Therefore, it's crucial to fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar during treatment to prevent this.

5. Environmental Disinfection: Since ringworm is highly contagious, thoroughly clean and disinfect your cat's living environment, including its bedding, toys, and other areas prone to harboring dirt and grime.

Preventive Measures for Ringworm

To prevent ringworm, consider the following precautions:

● Regularly groom your cat and inspect its fur and skin for any abnormalities. Seek veterinary care promptly if you notice anything unusual.

● Maintain good hygiene by regularly cleaning your cat's bedding, litter box, and toys, ensuring a dry, wellventilated, and clean indoor environment.

● Avoid exposing your cat to animals that have already been diagnosed with skin diseases.

● Provide your cat with a balanced diet to ensure it receives adequate nutrition and strengthens its immune system.

In summary, if your cat shows signs of blackened ears or any other symptoms suggestive of ringworm, it's essential to diagnose and treat the condition promptly. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to consult a veterinarian for guidance.