Can Mange Be Contagious From a Dog to a Human?
Mange is a common parasitic skin infection that affects both wild and domestic dogs. Dogs can contract two forms of the condition: demodectic mange and sarcoptic mange. Of these two, sacroptic mange is the only form that is zoonotic, or transmissible to humans. Demodectic and sarcoptic mange often present with similar symptoms, so pet owners should seek diagnosis from a qualified veterinarian and human physician if they are concerned about the parasite spreading to humans or other dogs. Fortunately, mange is relatively easy to treat in both dogs and humans. While the itching may persist for several weeks, the infestation is usually eliminated quickly.
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Demodectic vs. Sarcoptic Mange
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Only a veterinarian can readily differentiate between demodectic and sarcoptic mange, since they have very similar symptoms: itchiness, hair loss and "crusting" of the skin are the defining symptoms of mange in dogs. Demodectic mange is caused by mites that naturally live on a dog's body, but they can become overpopulated if the animal is weakened by stress, illness or malnutrition. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a different form of mite, and it is usually more severe than the demodectic form of the disease. Fortunately, pet owners who have dogs with demodectic mange are not at risk of contracting the illness.
Dog-to-Human Transmission
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There are dozens of different forms of sarcoptic mange, each of which is specialized to target a specific animal. The types of sarcoptic mange that affect dogs usually cause only mild infections in humans. When this parasitic mite affects a human being, it is generally referred to as scabies, not mange. According to the Mayo Clinic, "People are unlikely to develop full-blown scabies from [dogs], as they might from contact with the human scabies mite." However, transmission of the parasite from a pet to a human is still very possible, especially for people who are in frequent physical contact with their pets.
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Symptoms of Scabies in a Human
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In humans, the sarcoptic mange (scabies) parasite causes extremely itchy rashes that are usually worse at night. They can be differentiated from other types of rash, like eczema and contact dermatitis, because they include thin tracks made up of small blister-like bumps. These lines are burrow-trails made by the mite. In adults, the rashes caused by scabies are most likely to appear in folds of skin-- inner elbows, knees, wrists, buttocks, genitals and breasts. In children, they most often burrow around the face, scalp and neck. Scabies mites also affect the palms of hands and the soles of feet.
Prevention
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If a dog becomes infected with any form of mange, he or she should be treated promptly. This minimizes the dog's discomfort and helps to prevent sarcoptic mange from spreading to a human. Most veterinarians recommend treating all dogs in a household that has had a sarcoptic mange outbreak, since the disease can be so contagious. People should avoid petting, cuddling, or sharing a bed with a dog who is known to have sarcoptic mange, and the dog's own bedding should be changed and cleaned regularly. Scabies infection spreads readily from human-to-human, so extra precaution should be taken if any person in the family is known to have become infected with the parasite.
Treatment for Sarcoptic Mange and Scabies
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For dogs, a compound called ivermectin is the most effective treatment for scabies. However, many types of herding-dog (especially collies) are very sensitive to the drug and can have life-threatening reactions to it. A derivative of ivermectin, elamectin, is considered to be safer for use in dogs who may be sensitive. The most commonly used drugs for humans are permethrin and crotamiton. While they kill the scabies mite promptly, it can take weeks or months before the skin irritation is completely eliminated. Home remedies like oatmeal baths and calamine lotion can help to soothe itching, but they will not eliminate scabies infection alone.
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