Bringing a stray cat home, the whole family got skin fungus infection

Two weeks ago, Ms. HPA's daughter ( Hanoi ) brought a stray cat home. The whole family started to feel itchy and lesions appeared on their skin a week later. All three family members went to see a doctor when blisters appeared, scaly, gradually spreading, about 4-10mm in diameter, scattered on both arms, legs and thighs, sometimes on the chest or other places on the body, the itchy spots were uncomfortable.

“The skin lesions of all three are typical of dermatophytosis (dermatophytoisis). This is a common disease in hot and humid climates like ours,” said Master, Doctor Nguyen Tien Thanh, member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association.

Test results showed the presence of septate mycelium - a fungus that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Ms. HPA's family was treated with topical and oral antifungal medications according to the regimen (if the response was poor, laser and light therapy could be used). After 10 days of active treatment, the symptoms gradually improved, no new lesions appeared, and the surface was free of scales.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Tien Thanh checks the health of a patient with skin fungus. (Photo: BSCC)

Fungal skin diseases can be transmitted from infected animals to humans through direct contact or through objects such as blankets, curtains, and clothes. They can also be transmitted between people, especially in communal living conditions or when sharing personal items.

Without timely intervention, the disease can spread to many areas of the body, itching and scratching can lead to eczema or secondary infection. This not only affects aesthetics but also reduces the patient's quality of life.

According to this expert, when infected with fungus, the patient often feels itchy and uncomfortable. If scratched, the fungus can spread, making the condition worse. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the body clean, especially in the infected area, and avoid using shower gel or strong soap.

To help people prevent skin fungus, especially when raising pets, people need to maintain personal hygiene, bathe regularly, avoid wearing wet clothes, and not share blankets, curtains, or clothes with people infected with fungus.

Pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits need to be kept clean and dewormed regularly. If you detect signs of skin disease (hair loss, flaky skin), take your pet to the vet for immediate treatment.

Nhu Loan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/mang-meo-hoang-ve-nuoi-ca-gia-dinh-bi-nhiem-nam-da-ar908218.html