What are the Different Types of Mange?

Mange includes a wide variety of skin diseases in pets and humans caused by microscopic mites. Therefore, the different types of mange are determined by the kind of mite that infiltrates the skin to fulfill its reproductive cycle. Some types are more vigorous than others. Depending on the mite, mange can spread from dog to cat to human.

One of the different types of mange erupts when the Demodex canis mite creates demodicosis, or demodectic mange. This milder rash mostly attacks puppies, as their developing immune system can't handle the same mites as their mother. The symptoms, like most types of mange, are itchiness and patches of bare skin. The majority of puppies grow out of demodicosis as they reach adolescence.

Sometimes, demodectic mange will develop into a more serious problem. Increased symptoms will be crusty and scaly skin, frenetic scratching, and overall weakness in the dog as the mites settle in hair follicles. This cannot spread to humans, but it may be an indication that your dog suffers from a weakened immune system due to cancer or other health condition.

The Sarcoptes canis mite causes the most common type of mange: scabies. Otherwise known as sarcoptic mange, scabies is resilient, long lasting, and contagious. The mites need to burrow underneath the top layers of skin in order to lay their eggs. The eggs develop, hatch, and the new mites only exacerbate the problem. This disturbance creates swelling, redness, thick or discolored skin, hair loss, insistent scratching, and seepage of pus.

Scabies can be passed between dogs, cats, and even onto humans. In cats, it is often separated into another type of mange called face or notoedric mange because a slightly different mite, Notoedres cati, burrows beneath the skin. This affects the cat's face the most, especially around the ears and neck, but can spread all over its body.

Since humans aren't good at incubating the scabies eggs, we can't be seriously infested. However, dogs can succumb to scabies and develop bacterial infections in their oozing skin. Scabies is a good candidate among the different types of mange to be cured by multiple treatments from the veterinarian.

A lesser type of mange is cheyletiella. Cheyletiella is better known as "walking dandruff," because tiny white flakes resembling dandruff scatter across a dog's back and neck. Red mites, or fur mites, cause the mild itching of walking dandruff. It will not get too severe, but neither will it clear up on its own. There are insecticide shampoos to treat this type of mange.

Finally, a specific ear mite that lives off the moisture and discharge from an animal's ears causes ear mange. The ear mite burrows into the outer ear canal, and a black gummy substance will start to ooze from the opening. Ear mange can usually be treated at home with cotton swabs and ear drops, yet severe cases could lead to hearing loss. It is contagious between animals, but not to humans.

Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin of animals, leading to irritation, hair loss, and sometimes severe infections. It affects mammals, including domestic pets and wildlife, causing intense itching and discomfort. If left untreated, mange can lead to more serious health issues and even be fatal.

The most common types of mange in pets are Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) and Demodectic mange (also known as red mange or demodicosis). Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can spread rapidly between animals and even to humans, while Demodectic mange is usually not contagious and often affects dogs with weakened immune systems.

Signs of mange include severe itching, redness, rash, hair loss, and the appearance of scabs or lesions on the skin. Pets may also exhibit restlessness due to discomfort. If you notice these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Yes, mange is treatable. Treatment typically involves prescribed medications such as topical ointments, dips, or oral medications to kill the mites. In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary to treat secondary infections. It's important to follow the vet's instructions closely and treat all animals in contact to prevent reinfestation.

Humans can contract a temporary form of mange from animals, particularly Sarcoptic mange. The condition in humans is known as scabies and causes similar symptoms of itching and rash. However, the mites cannot complete their life cycle on humans and the condition is usually self-limiting once the source of infestation is treated.

Preventing mange involves maintaining good hygiene, regular vet check-ups, and keeping your pet's living environment clean. Avoiding contact with infected animals and using veterinarian-recommended preventative treatments can also reduce the risk. Strengthening your pet's immune system with a healthy diet and proper care is crucial for preventing Demodectic mange.