- Parasite (fleas, mites, ticks)
- Allergy (food, environmental)
- Bacterial infection
- Fungal infection
- Autoimmune disease
2. Relieve itching and inflammation
- Oral antihistamines (e.g. Benadryl)
- Topical corticosteroids
- Oral corticosteroids (should be used with caution due to potential side effects)
3. Treat the underlying cause
- Parasites: Use appropriate medication to kill the parasites (e.g. flea and tick prevention, medicated shampoos)
- Food allergies: Switch to a limited ingredient diet or hydrolyzed protein diet
- Environmental allergies: Identify and avoid allergens, may require allergy testing and immunotherapy
- Bacterial infections: Use appropriate antibiotics (based on culture and susceptibility testing)
- Fungal infections: Use antifungal medication
- Autoimmune diseases: Treat with immunosuppressive drugs
4. Provide supportive care
- Keep the skin clean and dry
- Avoid excessive licking and scratching
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry
- Protect the skin from sun exposure
5. Monitor the response to treatment
- The skin infection should start to improve within a few days to a few weeks of treatment
- If there is no improvement, or the skin infection worsens, consult with your veterinarian