What to do if a dog has lichen: symptoms with photos, treatment and prevention

Lichen may be the cause of your dog’s hair loss patches if you also observe scaly or irritated skin. Fungi are the common cause of lichen, also referred to as ringworm, a skin infection in dogs. Dogs of all ages and breeds can be affected, so it’s critical to identify the symptoms as soon as possible.

With reference photos, this article will walk you through the symptoms of lichen and assist you in identifying the warning signs. We will also discuss effective treatment options for the condition, including both home remedies and medications.

Symptoms	Treatment and Prevention
Hair loss in circular patches	Visit a vet for diagnosis, use prescribed antifungal creams or medications
Red, scaly, or inflamed skin	Keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid contact with other pets
Itching or discomfort	Administer any recommended anti-itch medications or creams
Thickened, crusty skin	Disinfect bedding and grooming tools to prevent reinfection
Spreading patches	Quarantine the dog and maintain good hygiene to stop spreading

What is lichen and where does it come from in a domestic dog

A fungus or virus that affects the outer layers of the epidermis can cause lingchen disease. often spread by spores when they come into contact. It is contagious both at home and on the streets. Due to their extreme tenacity, fungi can survive in both extremely high and low temperatures.

Any person or animal can contract the disease. It is thought that older people, those who have experienced severe illnesses, and living things with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Pets typically contract the illness from other animals when playing or even just sniffing. Sharing a comb, bowl, or bed with someone else carries a risk of infection. Spores can also be carried by small rodents. Any household item or environmental object can harbor the fungus.

General signs and symptoms of the disease

Given that the disease can remain latent for up to 20 days, early detection of the illness can be challenging. A rash on the muzzle (often the nose), ears, and tail is the initial sign of the illness. They can manifest as redness, bald patches in circular areas, pink or brown spots, erosions, and crusts. The disease’s unique feature is an expansion of the skin’s affected area. It is crucial that treatment begin right away as a result. If none of the following symptoms materialize before then, do not administer medical care:

• Strong itching, irritation, rotting of wounds;
• Apathy, decrease in activity;
• Decrease in appetite;
• Loss of wool (can spread both zonally and throughout the body).

Types of dog lichen and their treatment

Sort lichen according to its danger, types of symptoms and manifestations, and symptoms. It is critical for owners to be aware of the outward symptoms of every variety of lichen because timely diagnosis of a particular type is necessary to prescribe the appropriate course of action.

Strigerating lichen (trichophytosis)

The most prevalent and hazardous kind of illness. Its rate of spread is what makes it unique. In the absence of appropriate care, the illness progresses quickly and can be fatal. Furthermore, it poses a risk to humans, necessitating extra safety measures. The fungi Trichophyton and Microsporum cause ringworm.

The name is characterized by symptoms. Initially, patches of baldness that the fungus has "cut off" are readily apparent. The lesions are up to 2 cm in diameter, spherical, and well defined. The spots may appear bright brown or pink. usually restricted to the limbs and tail, but it can swiftly spread to the body.

Weeping lichen

A kind of lichen that is safe for people to handle. Neither a virus nor a fungus is the cause. The illness is characterized by an allergic response. frequently the result of a hormonal imbalance. Can be ongoing or recurrent on a regular basis.

These types of eczemas can occasionally be brought on by using cheap shampoos and not following the recommended hygiene routine.

Appears gradually. Initially, hot, swollen, itchy spots develop. The cheeks, neck, and croup are where the spread occurs. Blisters eventually filled with pus. hair loss in the impacted regions. The blisters ruptured, releasing fluid. Mucus has collected around the wound, aiding in the crust-forming process. Under the erosions, healthy epithelium emerges with appropriate care.

Pink lichen

This kind, which is brought on by chronic illnesses or unique personal reactions to outside irritants like bacteria, is likewise not harmful to humans. Pink lichen typically affects elderly and frail dogs or pets with a genetic predisposition. It is not possible to fully cure this kind. Every time the immune system fails to function properly, it shows up.

Characteristics include pinkish spots in the groin or muzzle, 2-3 cm in diameter, itching, and epidermis necrosis with peeling and exfoliation. The only kind of lichen that can spontaneously vanish, but therapy is still required to stop potential spread.

Pityriasis versicolor (multicolor) lichen

The type of rash gave rise to the name of the disease. They come in a variety of hues, from pinkish to brown-red. Hair falls out at the site of inflammation.

Malassezia is the fungus that causes the illness. Although it is present in all living things, it is dormant when the immune system is operating normally. But when there are wounds or other deep lesions on the epithelium, the fungus becomes active and releases harsh chemicals that kill skin cells and result in lichen. This variety is not very dangerous for healthy individuals.

Shingles

A kind of herpes virus-induced lichen. Because of the unusual way that inflammatory foci spread, the condition is known as shingles. Severe itching initially develops in the abdomen and ribs. Following this, liquid-filled blisters appear on the irritated areas. Crusts form and they burst after a few days. The lichen will keep growing throughout the pet’s body if the condition is left untreated and the course is prolonged. Humans are likewise infected with the disease.

How can you treat lichen in a pet

Lichen treatment involves multiple steps. Initially, once the veterinarian has determined the type of disease, external antiseptic and antifungal medications are prescribed. Only ointments, sprays, or other methods of treatment should be discontinued if the disease is stable, does not impact the dog’s lower layers of the epidermis, and does not worsen its condition.

When treating prolonged lichen, a severe disease, it’s critical to begin antibiotics as soon as possible. It is possible to prescribe tablets or injection solutions. Giving the pet immune-suppressive medications that stabilize and rebuild the immune system against viruses is crucial both during and after the course of treatment.

The use of folk remedies is common. However, you can’t depend just on them. It’s critical to identify the type of lichen, begin the appropriate treatment, and consult a physician as soon as possible.

List of drugs

Fungus

Spray that breaks down the fungus’s structural elements and repairs the skin’s damaged areas

Vegamol

Mostly used as a medication to heal wounds, but it also has antifungal properties

Ekalin

Against dermatophytes, yeast, and mold fungi; aids in the death of bacteria and has analgesic properties

Zoomykol

External spray: aids in the management of trichophytosis, mycosis, candidiasis, and microsporia

Yam

The ointment has antiseptic qualities because it inhibits bacterial growth in addition to eliminating the fungus that causes lichen.

Mikoseptin

All types of skin diseases are affected by this ointment, which helps remove bacteria and fungi from the skin and promotes quick wound healing.

Thiabendazole

Cheap ointment that eradicates all harmful bacteria, fungi, and insects that are parasitic in nature. It has a lot of limitations.

Griseofulvin

Antiseptic and analgesic cream that eliminates pathogenic illnesses in addition to fungi

Amphotericin

An injectable antibiotic solution used in particularly severe cases of deep lesions caused by any kind of fungus

Griseofulvin

Oral tablets are prescribed for severe forms of lichen diseases because they have the same effects as an ointment and are more easily absorbed.

Antifan

Immune system-boosting injection solution

Cemax

Feed supplement that increases the synthesis of immune system cells

It is important to note that, even though folk remedies can be effective in treating certain conditions, using them is not advised; instead, they should only be used in conjunction with the veterinarian’s recommended main course of treatment. The truth is that different treatments are needed for diseases with varying depths and complexity.

Treatment with folk remedies

Herbs such as tansy, chamomile, sage, and St. John’s wort are the most significant auxiliary folk remedies. They are applied externally for antiseptic and to soften keratinized skin.

A mixture of apple cider vinegar is actively recommended by certain dog breeders. Wash the wounds five to six times a day with it when applied externally as well. The same applies to the use of machine oil.

When using such folk remedies, you must exercise extreme caution. Certain substances have the ability to trigger an allergic reaction in addition to causing irritation.

Is iodine used to combat lichen

Iodine has a dual role in the treatment of canine illnesses. This is generally one of the strongest antiseptics available, capable of burning away all pathogenic accumulations from wounds and drying them out.

However, in the case of treating a pet, you should be careful:

• Firstly, Iodine must be diluted so as not to burn the animal, not to burn the skin.
• Secondly, if the wound is open, you cannot pour the solution into it, treat only the edge to prevent other bacteria from getting in.

It’s critical to take immediate action if your dog exhibits symptoms of lichen (ringworm), such as redness, scaly skin, or hair loss patches. This article provides information on common symptoms along with photos to help you diagnose the problem. It also provides advice on how to treat your pet effectively to ease their discomfort and shows you how to stop the infection from spreading to humans or other animals. Prompt action and appropriate care can guarantee your dog’s full recovery while maintaining the safety of your home.

What to do if the dog licks the ointment and scratches the sore spot

There is always discomfort associated with wounds: tingling, burning, and pain. The dog may lick or scratch the sore area unintentionally. The ointment has the potential to seriously irritate the mucous membrane in the initial minutes after application. The animal must be restrained while the medication is applied; it cannot lie down or clean itself.

The best method is to use a muzzle, collar, or protective collar. Because it immobilizes and narrows their field of vision, dogs frequently dislike it. You can give the pet a treat or take it for a walk to keep it from becoming agitated.

Nutrition and care for a dog during the treatment of lichen

The diet should be comprehensive and include all the vitamins required during treatment. It is worthwhile to select a therapeutic variety of food if the pet is used to eating dry food. Additives (powder) that stimulate the immune system are combined with food. To hasten the healing process, natural foods should be high in protein.

Dog care involves a number of crucial components:

1. First – regular wound treatment. To do this, you need to apply a special ointment, spray or solution according to the instructions (at least 4 times a day) using a spatula or cotton swab. In addition, you need to wash the skin with herbal decoctions and remove skin crusts.
2. Second care point – daily wet cleaning and changing bedding. It is necessary to disinfect the room with spray antiseptics. Dishes and toys are washed and washed daily. It is important to exclude direct contact of the pet with household members and other animals, reduce the time of walking. During the procedures, a protective collar is put on.

Danger to humans and pets

Only a few varieties of ringworm can spread to people or other animals. Ringworm is the main danger. Because of how contagious it is, quarantine must be followed. Since allergic weeping lichen does not spread through contact, it is completely safe.

In cases where an illness has compromised immunity, pink lichen may be harmful. Nonetheless, experts continue to disagree over how contagious it is. You shouldn’t be afraid of it in any case, but it is best to follow all hygienic guidelines. Pityriasis versicolor presents with a comparable circumstance. It usually doesn’t spread to humans or other animals. However, there is a chance of infection due to the body’s significantly lowered resistance.

Dog lichen can be difficult to treat, but early identification and care are key factors. Being aware of the signs, like hair loss and scaly patches, enables you to take prompt action and provide your dog with the care it requires.

Utilizing recommended medications and adhering to your veterinarian’s advice will aid in the infection’s recovery. To stop lichen from spreading to other pets or family members, make sure your house is completely cleaned.

Simple preventive measures, such as routine grooming and maintaining a clean environment for your dog, can significantly lower the likelihood of recurring infections. Your dog will remain happy and healthy if you pay attention to any changes in his skin.

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