Nowadays, more and more people are raising cats, but not all of them can happily enjoy their time as pets. Some people were healed spiritually, but suffered disaster physically.

Many cat friends cried on the Internet and complained that they were infected with cat ringworm by their cats——

“There are several red spots on arms, legs, and even faces, which are not only itchy but , and the skin is peeling off, am I going to be disfigured?”

How can cat diseases be transmitted to humans? Can you still "play the cat" happily?

Cat ringworm is transmitted from person to person, and children and the elderly are most susceptible

Although cat ringworm carries the word "cat", clinically, quite a few humans are infected.

Liu Yinghui, the attending physician at the Department of Dermatology, Southern Medical University Dermatology Hospital, said: "Our infectious disease clinic is in the period of high incidence. , 1 to 2 patients with cat ringworm are treated every day. "

In the folk, cat ringworm is generally called "copper coin ringworm."

As the name suggests, it usually presents as copper coin-like circular red spots on the skin, with scales on the surface and accompanied by itching.

Cat ringworm is a fungal infection. If the pet cat at home has this ringworm, the owner may be infected during contact with it.

People infected with cat ringworm are also contagious and can be passed on to cats or people.

“You may be infected if you come into contact with towels and other personal belongings of patients with cat ringworm,” said Dr. Liu. “Especially people with low immunity, such as children and the elderly, are more likely to be infected. ”

Cat ringworm may cause hair loss, will it grow back?

In the early stages of infection, the area of ​​cat ringworm is often relatively small, about the size of a fingernail.

However, as the disease progresses, dermatophytes will continue to expand to the periphery, and the area of ​​cat ringworm will become larger and larger.

“This is because ringworm is constantly eroding our skin’s cuticles.” Dr. Liu explained.

When the ringworm "eats" the nearest circle of cuticles, it will continue to look for food outside.

At the same time, the color of the skin it has "eaten" will fade and become less red. But it does not mean self-healing.

The vast majority of cat ringworm cannot heal on its own. Without antifungal treatment, it will recur.

Tinema may occur on the skin of any part of the body. Clinically, it is most common on the face or limbs. If the scalp is infected, hair loss may occur.

“Families with pets must pay more attention to their children’s scalp conditions.” Dr. Liu reminded.

If you find erythema, suppuration, or hair loss on your scalp, you must go to the hospital in time. Otherwise, the infected area will damage the hair follicles and hair may no longer grow.

Generally speaking, where cat ringworm develops depends on which part the patient comes into contact with when holding or sucking the cat.

What kind of medicine should be applied when infected with cat ringworm

Netizens shared their experience in treating cat ringworm, saying that there is no need to go to the hospital, just apply some iodophor for disinfection, or apply some diclofenac suppository to treat athlete's foot. Can be cured.

Dr. Liu does not agree with this.

“Iodophor mainly targets bacterial infections, while cat tinea is a fungal infection.”

Daclonine suppository is a compound preparation of antifungal drugs and hormones. It may have a certain effect, but it needs to be used under the guidance of a doctor. Improper use may cause hormone-dependent dermatitis.

So, what should you do if you are infected with cat ringworm?

Timely medical treatment is the best option. If conditions are limited, you can purchase antifungal ointments on your own in the early stages of infection, such as azoles, amorolfine, etc.

“But if it doesn’t work after a week or the effect is not obvious, you still have to go to the hospital for treatment.”

Bring your cat with you for treatment

Dr. Liu As a reminder, when treating cat ringworm, you should not just treat yourself. The cat must also receive treatment.

"Co-treatment between humans and pets can effectively block the source of infection and avoid repeated mutual infection."

Not only that, but also an inspection of the environment and items that pet cats have come into contact with Thorough disinfection.

For small items, it is recommended to wash them in boiling water; for large items, spray disinfectant or expose them to the sun.

“Under the guidance of a doctor, you can also use ketoconazole lotion to soak and disinfect items.”

How to check whether a cat has tinea felis

1. Touch the cat’s skin with your hands to see if there are hard lumps, scabs and ulcers

2 .Pull the cat’s hair aside and observe whether it has partial hair loss or increased dandruff

3. Observe whether the cat scratches more frequently

4. Try not to touch it. The wild cat whose path is unclear