Notoedric Mange in Humans

Notoedric mange affects cats, but it can be passed to humans through close contact. Getting rid of this irritating disease can prove time-consuming and expensive, but its spread may be stopped through a few simple actions. Understanding the signs and symptoms of notoedric mange is the first step in curing it.

  1. Cause

    • Notoedric mange is caused by a mange mite called Notoedres cati. The mites burrow into a cat's skin, causing severe itching as well as hair loss and scabbing. Cats can pass the mites to humans through close physical contact.

    Symptoms

    • Notoedric mange causes obvious physical symptoms in cats. Brown discoloration appears around the nose and ears. Ears may appear dirty or there may be discharge from the ears. Scaly, scabby skin results from the mites and also from damage made by scratching. In humans, the most apparent symptom is itching, though redness from the mites and their bites can also be visible.

    Significance

    • Notoedric mange is very dangerous to your cat and requires immediate treatment. Mange can spread if untreated, causing complications and further injury to the cat. Without treatment, notoedric mange may become fatal in cats. In humans, the effects are far less severe. Notoedric mites cannot live on humans as they do on cats and will eventually die off in most cases, even without treatment. During the disease's course, however, notoedric mange in humans can be very irritating, causing redness and itching. Notoedric mange can be dangerous to some people, including those who are immuno-compromised or those unable to maintain proper hygiene.

    Treatment

    • Cats require more extensive treatment for notoedric mange than humans do. This may involve clipping long hair, thoroughly shampooing and cleaning the cat, and putting it in a chemical dip that kills the mites. For people, treatment of the symptoms is usually enough because the mites will die off on their own. This typically involves a topical cream to minimize itching. Also, avoid contact with infected cats, as this introduces new mites that may contribute to the infection. A combination of eliminating the mites on cats and avoiding contact with still-infected cats allows for the least spread.

    Prevention

    • Reducing exposure to mites reduces the likelihood of a notoedric mange infection. Keeping cats indoors prevents them from picking up mites outside. If a cat becomes infected with notoedric mange, minimize contact with it and keep it confined in order to limit the spread of mites within the home. Seek early treatment for mange to minimize symptoms and their severity.