Ringworm is the common term for a set of fungi--not a worm at all--that infects the skin. This fungi infects by feeding on the dead skin cells and creating a round lesion that looks like a worm curled in a ring (hence the name). This causes itchiness, scaliness of the skin and a general sickly look to the cat. While ringworm will usually go away in a few months, it can infect humans and other animals so it is best to treat it as quickly as possible.
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Stopping Infection, in General
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One way to treat ringworm is to not let it start in the first place. If your cat is spending time around other cats, make sure they don't have ringworm by checking their skin for any scaly signs. If they have it, don't let your cat around them and encourage the owner to treat the condition. Environment can also yield ringworm spores, which can survive off a host for a long time--up to two years, according to Fabcats.org. Grooming tools, bedding and clippers should be washed regularly to kill and trace of ringworm that may have become embedded.
Systemic Therapy
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Intrafungol is the most common used product prescribed by veterinarians to use on cats that have contracted ringworm. The typical therapy for this is one week on and week off treatments, for three to four weeks of treatments total. Studies have shown that the drug is most effective when it has a slow build-up in the system so it can constantly fight the ringworm skin fungi and keep it from ever coming back. It is safe to use on kittens over 10 days old but not safe for pregnant cats.
Topical Therapy
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Topical therapy is best applied to cats through shampooing or dipping. Hair of the cat should be clipped back so that the shampoo or dip can absorb into the skin more easily, but use care so it doesn't traumatize the skin and make the ringworm worse. A chlorhexidine and miconazole shampoo is the only licensed topical treatment for ringworm. The coat is first wetted and the shampoo is lathered and massaged well into the skin. In order to be effective, the soap should be left on for at least 10 minutes before being washed off. Be careful of getting the shampoo into the cat's eyes, as it will burn them.
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