Review of ointments for lichen for cats – sulfuric, salicylic and others, pros and cons and rules of use

Cats frequently get lichen on their skin, which can be uncomfortable and cause itching and hair loss. Fortunately, there are a number of ointments that can help effectively treat this problem. Whether your veterinarian suggests salicylic, sulfuric, or other kinds of ointments, you should be aware that each has advantages and disadvantages of its own.

The most widely used ointments for treating lichen in cats will be discussed in this article, along with their respective benefits and drawbacks as well as safe application techniques. The best course of treatment can have a significant impact on how soon your cat heals and how comfortable they are during the healing process.

Knowing your options—from over-the-counter medications to natural remedies—will help you choose what’s best for your pet. To determine which of these treatments might be the best fit for your cat’s needs, let’s examine them in more detail.

What is lichen: pathogens, varieties, symptoms

This phrase is used in veterinary medicine to describe skin conditions brought on by different fungi (trichophyton microsporum canis, microsporum gypsum). The following table lists the different forms and symptoms of feline lichen:

• hair loss;
• inflammation, peeling, redness, itching of the affected skin;
• dyschromia;
• round spots on the body with clear boundaries, in the center of which there may be pustules, scales, blisters.

What substances are used in ointments for lichen as active components?

Lichen ointments are manufactured with a variety of ingredients. Typically, these products’ formulations contain the following active ingredients:

• sulfur;
• zinc oxide;
• clotrimazole;
• terbinafine hydrochloride;
• lidocaine hydrochloride;
• thiabendazole;
• metronidazole;
• dexamethasone sodium phosphate;
• salicylic acid;
• miconazole;
• betamesone diphosphate;
• gentamicin sulfate.

See also: Safe and effective flea drops for cats: where to put them, do they protect against ticks and worms, and which is better?

For cats with lichen, selecting the appropriate ointment is crucial to a speedy recovery. Although salicylic, sulfuric, and other ointments have advantages over one another, they also have drawbacks. Salicylic ointment relieves inflammation and promotes skin renewal, while sulfuric ointment excels due to its antifungal qualities. To prevent side effects and guarantee your cat heals safely, it’s crucial to use ointments according to the recommended dosage instructions. Some ointments, however, may irritate skin or have a strong smell.

Review of effective ointments: name, composition, method of application

Animal lichen ointments vary from one another not only in content but also in how they are applied, including dosage, frequency of daily application, and length of use. Most frequently, "Yam BK," "Fungin," "Fungin Forte," "Sanoderm," and "Miconazole" cream are used to treat ringworm in cats, in addition to sulfur, sulfur-tar, and salicylic ointments.

Ointment "Yam BK"

This medication, which is made up of a yellowish or yellow-brown liniment with a distinct smell, includes:

• salicylic acid;
• zinc oxide;
• sulfur;
• tar;
• phenol-free coal tar creolin;
• lanolin;
• turpentine;
• Vaseline.

It may delaminate while being stored, but this has no effect on its medicinal qualities. Using a cotton-gauze swab, apply the ointment to the affected area, capturing 0.5–1 cm of healthy skin from the edges to the center. The product is administered in single doses of 0.2–0.3 ml per kilogram of the pet’s weight. After treatment, the pet should wear a collar for fifteen minutes or have tape placed over its jaws to prevent it from licking the liniment. "Yam BK" should be used for ten to fifteen days.

Fungin and Fungin Forte

Fungin comes in ointment and spray bottle forms. Fungin Forte is a locally used solution that comes in glass receptacles, spray bottles, and dropper bottles. Contraindications for using this brand of medication (details are shown in the table below):

• hypersensitivity to ingredients;
• age less than 1 month;
• weakened organism;
• bearing and feeding offspring.

1. Apply the solution to the affected areas with a thin layer of cotton-gauze swab or spray from a dropper bottle directly onto the skin. This should be done from the edge to the center, capturing about 1 cm of healthy skin.
2. Gently rub the liquid.
3. For 15-20 minutes, put a collar on the pet or fix the jaws with tape.

See also: Indications and usage guidelines for Nobivac line of cat vaccines, which includes the tricat trio and rabies vaccines.

Simple sulfur ointment and sulfur-tar ointment

Animal lichen is frequently treated in veterinary practice with simple sulfur and sulfur-tar ointment because they are safe, inexpensive, easy to use, and effective products. Other than a hypersensitivity to the ingredients, they don’t have any contraindications. The table below provides information on applying sulfur and sulfur-tar ointments:

Salicylic ointment

If the pet has a hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in this salicylic acid-based ointment, it cannot be used in that one instance. Apply this product thinly, 1-2 times daily, to the body’s affected areas in the form of a thick, yellowish or white mass using a cotton swab to capture 2-4 centimeters of healthy skin. It should be taken for no more than 12 days, or until the disease’s symptoms totally go away.

Cream "Miconazole"

Miconazole nitrate is the active ingredient in this cream, which is produced as a uniform white mass. The following auxiliary ingredients are also present in it:

• poloxamer;
• food additive E1520;
• macrogol 400;
• celearyl alcohol and ether.

To capture healthy skin, the cream should be applied to the affected areas of the body two to three times a day using a cotton-gauze swab. It should be applied for several more days for prevention, or until all lichen symptoms have vanished. For topical application, this product cannot be mixed with other medications. Cats must be at least a year old to use the cream.

Sanoderm Ointment

The ointment, which contains clotrimazole, betamethasone dipropionate, nipagin, and gentamicin sulfate, is applied twice daily in a thin layer to the affected areas of the body, capturing healthy skin with a cotton-gauze swab. The working area’s hair needs to be trimmed before applying it. Once the animal’s condition improves, the product should only be used once a day.

Sanoderm should be taken until the disease’s symptoms totally go away, as shown by the negative findings of mycological and bacterial investigations.

Typically, a treatment program lasts two to four weeks. There should be a minimum of 20 days in between classes. Keep the ointment out of your eyes and off of open wounds.

Selecting the right ointment for treating lichen in cats is very important, as each variety has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Salicylic ointment aids in reducing inflammation and peeling, while sulfuric ointment is well-known for its efficiency and low cost. Both, however, have some possible negative effects, like skin irritation, so it’s crucial to use them exactly as prescribed.

While they might take longer to work, other ointments, such as those with antifungal qualities, can be more specifically targeted in treating specific kinds of lichen. Prior to administering any treatment, always take your cat’s individual condition into consideration and speak with a veterinarian.

Ultimately, the degree of the infection and your cat’s general health will determine which ointment is best. You can aid your cat in recuperating from lichen in a safe and timely manner by paying attention to their reaction and adhering to the recommended application guidelines.

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