Mites and mange are widely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed — sometimes with steroids that make things dramatically worse. Here’s what each kind of mite actually does, and how to treat the infestation naturally.
What are mites?
Mites are microscopic creatures that resemble miniature spiders. Several species can attack cats and dogs.
Sarcoptic mites (scabies)
Sarcoptic mites are members of the family Sarcoptidae. They burrow under the skin — and they are nasty creatures. Infestations are called scabies and they are highly contagious.
Symptoms include:
- Intense itching
- Reddening of the skin
- Thinning of the hair (alopecia)
- Development of crusts and scabs
- Secondary bacterial infections in the inflamed, irritated skin
Sarcoptic mites prefer skin with little hair, so they are most numerous on the ears, elbows, abdomen and hocks. As the disease spreads, hair is lost and eventually the mites occupy large areas of skin.
Demodex mites
Demodicidae mites live in or near the hair follicles of mammals — including humans. Small numbers are present in normal pets and cause no problems. In stressful situations, however, they proliferate, and large numbers inhabit the skin and hair follicles.
The good news: Demodex mites can easily be seen on a skin scraping under the microscope. The less good news: generalised demodicosis is serious and often difficult to treat. Large areas of the body may be affected, often with secondary bacterial infection. The skin becomes red, crusty, warm, full of pustules, may bleed easily, and develops a strong rancid odour.
Cheyletiella — “walking dandruff”
Cheyletiella mites look like tiny spiders under a magnifying glass. They live on the surface of the skin and are often called “walking dandruff” — because close inspection reveals that what look like little flakes of dry skin are actually moving about.
Why mange is so often misdiagnosed
Sarcoptic mite infestation is frequently misdiagnosed as allergic dermatitis — even by very competent and experienced veterinarians. The mites burrow so deep into the skin that they’re virtually undetectable on a skin scraping.
The result is predictable and damaging: many dogs are treated with cortisone or prednisone for a supposed allergic dermatitis, when in fact Sarcoptic mites are the underlying cause of the itching and inflamed skin. The unnecessary steroids suppress the immune system, the mites spread further, and the condition gets steadily worse.
If your dog has been given a “cortisone shot for the itching” and isn’t improving, mange is worth ruling out properly before the next round of steroids.
The Dermagic protocol
Dermagic products stop the infections associated with parasitic infestations and kill certain parasites outright. The system works in three steps.
Step 1 — Deep-cleansing bath
Before any treatment, give your dog a thorough cleansing with one of the organic Shampoo Bars, specially formulated for deep cleansing of sensitive skin. Bathe weekly or every two weeks while undergoing treatment — not more often than that.
Options across the range:
- Flea Bar with diatomaceous earth — for flea-related problems
- Skin Rescue Bar (Lemongrass and Neem Oil) — award-winning, for problem skin
- Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil Shampoo Bar — for minty fresh deep cleansing
- Rosemary and Lavender Shampoo Bar — stimulates hair follicles, calming
- Chamomile and Sage — refresher
Step 2 — Skin Rescue Lotion
Apply DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion for fast and effective relief from skin irritations, hot spots, scaly skin, flea allergies, dermatitis and dry skin conditions. Massage well into problem areas, then cover the dog with a t-shirt to protect the skin and keep the lotion in place.
Twice daily for the first week, then once daily for another week.
For more serious cases — including Black Skin Disease (Alopecia X) — extend the protocol accordingly.
Step 3 — Hot Spot Salve
For raw and irritated hot spots, use DERMagic Hot Spot Salve, applied daily to affected areas until no longer needed. The salve also treats minor wounds, insect bites, localised allergic reactions, and any itchy or inflamed patch.
The promise
- All natural ingredients
- No harsh chemicals
- Fast and safe
- Gentle and effective
For specific guidance on your pet’s case email info@dermagic.eu or call 01624 829575.