TREATMENT OF RINGWORM (TINEA CAPITIS)

Tinea capitis requires treatment with an oral antifungal agent. Griseofulvin is probably the most effective agent for infection with Microsporum canis, but is no longer available in New Zealand. Scalp trichophyton infection may successfully be eradicated using oral terbinafine, itraconazole or fluconazole for 4 to 6 weeks. However, these medications are not always successful and it may be necessary to try another agent. Intermitted may also be prescribed e.g once weekly dosages. Treatment of carriers is necessary to prevent spread of infection. Antifungal shampoo twice  weekly

for four weeks may be sufficient. Suitable shamppos include

–          2.5% selenium sulfide

–          1% to 2% zinc phyrithione

–          povidone – iodine

–          2% ketoconazole Hirschmann JV (2009).

 Steps involve in treating Ringworm Infection includes:

Step 1: Identification of exposed Animals

            Ringworm is a contagious skin disease spread through direct contact with an infected animal or indirect contact from spores that fall into the environment. If you have no other pets in the home or if your pet has not contacted other animals.

            Using a new toothbrush, comb the hair coat of the pet. Be sure to brush the face, inside and near the ears,between the toes, and tail. Don’t skip any part. Put the toothbrush in a self sealing plastic bag and label the outside. Repeat for all pets in the home. Put all bags in another plastic bag and bring to the veterinary clinic.

Step 2: Treating and Monitoring Ringworm

            The following are the key treatment decisions that need to be made to successfully treat an infected pet.

a.  Using oral antifungal drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of the ringworm infection inside the air follicle. These are several different drugs available for use. The most commonly used drugs include itraconazole, terbinafine, fluconazole and griseofulvin. Lufenuron has been found to be ineffective in the treatment and/or prevention of ringworm.

b.  Using a clip on the hair coat mechanically. Clipping the hair coat removes infected hairs and spores. Clipping will help minimize contamination of the environment.

c.  Using a topical theraphy. Topical theraphy involves the use of ointments, creams and lotions is not recommended. Bathing pets instead of or prior to the use of an antifungal rinse is not recommended. Bathing may cause fragile hairs to break and spill spores on the hair coat, increase exposure of the pet owner to the infected lesions, or make healthy hairs more susceptible to infection because bathing softens the protective cuticle.

 STEP 3: Managing environmental conditions:

            Just as in flea infestations where eggs and fleas are shed into the environment, pets with ringworm infections will shed infective spores are small dust-seized particles. The following will minimize spread of potentially infective spores.

Ø  Removal of infected hairs by clipping

Ø  Use of lime sulfer as a topical antifungal rinse. It is quickly sporocidal .

Ø  Confinement of the infected pet to one easily cleaned room and keep closets closed. Discard contaminated toys and wash bedding daily.

Ø  Routine cleaning of home daily and use of the triple cleaning technique.