Mange in an animal

The diagnosis of lichen planus (dermatophytosis) scares many owners - and for good reason. This fungal disease is contagious to both animals and humans, especially children, people with reduced immunity and the elderly.

In addition to treating the animal itself, proper disinfection of the home is extremely important to prevent re-infection.

What you need to know about the pathogen

Most often, tinea is caused by fungi of the genera Microsporum and Trichophyton:

• - extremely resistant - survive in the environment for up to 18 months (!),
• - spread with wool, skin flakes, dust,
• - easily spread throughout the house (especially in homes with carpets, fabric furniture, and cats that lick).

Step-by-step disinfection of the house for shingles

1. Clean everything you can - every day

• - Vacuum the entire surface of the floor, furniture, carpets, even crevices.
• - Change the vacuum cleaner bags/containers frequently (ideally, disposable ones).
• - Avoid using a broom - it only spreads spores through the air.

2. Wash everything that can be washed

• - Wash bedding, blankets, bedspreads, toys, and clothing at a temperature of at least 60°C.
• - Add disinfectant additives (e.g., oxygen-based or chlorine-containing, if the fabric allows).

3. Disinfect surfaces

• - Treat floors, furniture, cages, bowls, trays, door handles, and other surfaces.
• - Products effective against
  • fungi
  • : - chlorine-containing preparations (1:10 sodium hypochlorite solution),
  • - hydrogen peroxide solutions with
  surfactants
  • (e.g. Virkon S, Aniosyme, Clinafarm
  • ), - specialized veterinary disinfectants (e.g. Enilconazole, Fungiconazol).
• - Always follow the manufacturer's instructions: concentration, exposure time, ventilation.

4. Limit the space for the infected animal

• - Temporarily isolate the sick animal in an easily cleanable area.
• - Put down disposable or washable litter.
• - Change and disinfect bowls and litter boxes separately.

How to protect yourself and other animals

• - Wash your hands after contact with a sick animal, preferably with an antiseptic.
• - Wear protective clothing and gloves when caring for an animal with active lesions.
• - Keep an eye on the skin of children - shingles in humans looks like red rings with peeling or itching.

When to finish disinfecting?

Carry out general cleaning:

• - regularly while treatment is ongoing,
• - for another 2-3 weeks after the animal's symptoms disappear,
• - or until a negative control laboratory test (e.g. PCR or culture) is obtained.