Dermatophytosis is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, or Trichophyton fungi) that affects humans and animals. Infected animals release infective spores in the environment which will then contaminate other animals or humans. Infected animals usually develop immunity so the infection will spontaneously disappear after a few weeks to months. Young s up to one year old and s with weakened immune system, having other health disorders (for example, diabetes) or infected with ringworms, are most frequently affected. In cats skin lesions are more frequent, in s more severe. Male s are most often affected.
If your has alopecia (hair loss) or skin lesions, inflamed hair follicles (facial folliculitis), acute abscess of a hair follicle due to infection by Staphylococcus (furunculosis) on legs and paws, nailbed and nail infection, skin irritation, scaly skin, itching, then dermatophytosis should be considered as a possible cause of these skin disorders.
Dermatophytosis in s reveals in different forms and can often mimic other skin diseases. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs. Often additional laboratory tests are needed for a final diagnosis. A systematic diagnostic procedure can prevent a wrong diagnosis and allow for the right treatment.
Treatment consists of application of different antifungal medications, rinses and shampoos: lime sulfur, enilconazole rinses, 2% miconazole/chlorhexidine shampoo, itraconazole, lufenuron and other medications. The cure may take from to 2 to 4 months. The use of desinfectants such as bleach or enilconazole has been proven effective to destroy the spores in the environment.
Studies show that infected cats appear to cause substantial environmental contamination and spread Microsporum canis , contaminating house air and surfaces. s seem to contaminate surfaces, but they never contaminate the air.
Since s and cats live more and more in contact with humans, and a lot of s and cats are carriers of dermatophytes, dermatophytosis is the most important risk of developing a "mange" in humans.