Red Scab on Cat's Neck: Not Ringworm, What to Do?

Summer has arrived, and many cats have been affected by skin diseases. In recent days, we've received numerous inquiries from pet owners through our backend, reflecting their urgency. Today, let's delve into a typical case: "What to Do If Your Cat Has Red Scabs on the Back of Its Neck, Not Ringworm?"

Part 1: Understanding the Symptoms

At home, many pet owners might use a Wood's lamp to check for ringworm in their cats. Ringworm is usually caused by Microsporum canis, and most of these fungi will exhibit a fluorescent green reaction under the light of a Wood's lamp.

However, other types of fungal skin infections, such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Saprospira, and a small portion of Microsporum canis, do not show a fluorescent reaction when exposed to the Wood's lamp.

Therefore, to accurately determine the type of skin disease your cat has, it's essential to visit a veterinary clinic for a skin scraping examination.

Part 2: Treatment and Medication

When visiting a vet, they will provide a more precise treatment plan and medication regimen based on the examination results. Follow their instructions carefully.

For those who cannot visit a vet immediately, here are some steps to take for bacterial infections:

Check for similar symptoms on other parts of the cat and trim or remove 3 to 5 cm of fur around the affected area to expose the lesion, making it easier to apply medication.

Place an Elizabethan collar on the cat to prevent it from scratching or licking the wound. If the collar irritates the area, administer chlorpheniramine maleate tablets to relieve itching, reducing the frequency of scratching and preventing further skin damage and infection.

Wash the affected area with saline solution to remove hair, dust, and debris. For scabs, use a bandage soaked in saline solution to soften them before cleaning them off.

Disinfect the area with iodine and then treat it with Pipette Skin Spray and Fuante (Oxide of Zinc Ointment), applying these twice to three times a day. The Pipette Skin Spray not only inhibits bacteria but also forms a protective layer on the skin and mucous membranes, reducing bacterial growth and promoting skin repair. The Oxide of Zinc Ointment has astringent, moisturizing, antibacterial, and antiinflammatory properties, along with some itching relief, making it suitable for treating bacterial infections, eczema, dermatitis, and small skin ulcers.

During treatment, maintain a clean environment. Regularly clean and disinfect items like carpets, sofas, and floors. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting the cat bed, take it outside to be sunned weekly to reduce the growth of bacteria, mites, and fungi.

Furthermore, supplementing your cat's diet with Supervit (Vitamin B Complex Solution), lecithin, and fish oil can aid in skin repair and promote hair growth posttreatment, while also enhancing the cat's skin immunity and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

Lastly, if after 5 to 7 days of treatment, your cat's skin condition shows no significant improvement or there is evidence of spreading, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian or seek medical attention at a pet hospital promptly.