Human Skin Rashes Caused by Dogs & Cats

Our beloved dogs and cats are sometimes the cause of our uncomfortable skin rashes. These rashes occur for a variety of reasons and treatments also vary. Consult your doctor regarding any pet-related skin rash you experience.

Allergic Reaction

These types of allergic skin rashes occur when you come into contact with the dander, hair and sometimes saliva of the cat or dog. Treatment includes oral allergy medication to treat the allergy, and topical medication to treat the rash itself.

Cat Scratch Disease

When bitten or scratched by a cat that carries Baprtonella henselae bacteria, you may develop cat scratch disease (cat scratch fever) which presents a skin rash as a symptom. Prescription antibiotics are used to treat this infection.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

This is not the result of direct contact with a cat/dog, but by being bitten by a tick carried in by the cat/dog. Ticks may carry bacteria that cause this disease, and if the tick bites you, you'll get infected. The disease creates a rash over most of the body and is treated with antibiotics.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection of your dog/cat's skin, contagious to humans and other pets. The resulting rash usually consists of a red circular border with a clear center. This highly contagious infection is treated with oral and topical antifungal drugs.

Warning

Seek treatment for any pet-related skin rash immediately, to avoid contaminating others if you are contagious. Also, contact your veterinarian to see if your pet needs treatment for the condition as well.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Pet allergy
• Kids Health: Common Infections That Pets Carry
• "Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat Not a Sour Puss"; Pam Johnson-Bennett; 2000