Carbolic acid is an extract of coal tar and is also known as Phenol. It is both an antiseptic and disinfectant and regularly found in products used to treat skin infestations in pets, cattle and horses. It is caustic and highly poisonous, so it must be treated with great care. It can be used as a treatment for mange, but this remedy has mostly fallen out of favor in the face of commercial products.
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History
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When describing a cure for mange in dogs, Joseph Graham wrote in 1909 that "All carbolic...washes are excellent. They are very cheap...they come in concentrated form to be diluted 20 to 40 times in water. The drawback is the persistent odour and...the bad effect on the hair." Although no longer a popular treatment for dog mange, carbolic acid is an ingredient of many mange treatment products.
Warning
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Although some people still use carbolic acid as a treatment for mange in dogs, Stephen Tillinghas Hammond warns about the effects of this caustic chemical: "Many people use carbolic acid .. with good result so far as destroying the parasite is concerned, but...it is an irritant of the nerves and there is a danger that harm will result from its absorption into the system.
Carbolic acid is different from other acids in that it can be absorbed through unbroken skin and cause damage to the nervous system. If the acid is swalled by accident, it can paralyse the respiratory system. Splashes of acid must be rinsed thoroughly with water.
Mange Treatments Today
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Demodectic mange is caused when the parasites that usually live on a dog without causing any harm have a breeding frenzy and the dog is too feeble or its immune system too weak to control the attack. It is treated with products such as Mitaban, which is available from your veterinarian. Treatment also calls for clipping the hair away from the infected area and bathing with a peroxide shampoo. Several weeks of treatment will be necessary.
Scabies is the result of mites burrowing under the skin to lay their eggs. Washes can bring relief to the situation, but Ivermectin injections will be necessary to achieve a cure.
Other Uses for Carbolic Acid
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Carbolic acid was used as antiseptic in 1867 by pioneering surgeon Sir Joseph Lister at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Today it is used in the production of aspirin, Bakelite and heavily used in many beauty products, including sunscreens, hair dyes, skin-lightening products and anti-aging creams. It is also used to treat ingrowing toenails and in cosmetic surgery, for chemical peels. For years, carbolic soap has been a mainstay in domestic cleanliness.
Prevention/Solution for Mange
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The best cure for mange is to avoid it altogether. This can be done by regularly bathing your dog and keeping him well-groomed. This should remove scaly skin and lurking parasites. Make sure your dog's surroundings and bedding are scrupulously clean and ensure he is eating a diet that reinforces its immune system. Keep your dog away from any other animal that might be infected. Mange is persistent, so it's important to stay alert especially if your dog has already suffered an outbreak.
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