After two weeks of adopting a stray cat, a family in Hanoi developed many skin lesions and was diagnosed by a doctor with a skin fungus that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Dr. Thanh examines the family of a patient with skin fungus transmitted through animals - Photo: Provided by the doctor
The whole family got fungus from the cat.
Recently, Dr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, a member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, received the case of Ms. HPA's family (Hanoi), who came to the clinic with many skin lesions.
On the skin, there are patches of blisters with scaly, raised edges, gradually spreading and scattered on both arms, legs and thighs, sometimes on the chest or other places on the body, the spots are itchy and uncomfortable.
"The skin lesions of all three people are typical of dermatophytosis (dermatophytoisis). This is a very common disease in hot and humid climates like ours," said Dr. Thanh.
According to Ms. A., two weeks before the symptoms appeared, her daughter brought home a stray cat that was often close to people and often hugged and held by children.
After a week, the whole family began to feel itchy and develop skin lesions that spread more and more. The family added that they had never owned a cat before.
The results of the fresh examination of the fungus in Ms. A's family's lesion showed the presence of septate hyphae. This is a strain of fungus that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Dr. Tien Thanh explained that 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.
The hot and humid conditions in Vietnam are an ideal environment for fungi to thrive. When in contact with infected animals, especially dogs and cats that are not properly cared for, the risk of infection is very high.
Uncontrolled ringworm can spread
According to Dr. Thanh, skin fungus is not a life-threatening disease, but it causes a lot of trouble. Patients often feel itchy, uncomfortable, and the lesions can spread if not treated properly.
If not treated promptly, the disease can spread to many areas of the body, causing itching and scratching, leading to eczema or secondary infection. This not only affects aesthetics but also reduces the patient's quality of life.
In addition, 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 soap with strong detergents.
Choose gentle bath products that clean the skin without causing dryness or irritation. After bathing, pat dry your body and apply moisturizer to the affected skin to reduce itching and promote skin regeneration.
Ringworm can spread quickly, so avoid scratching the infected area. Keep your nails short to avoid further damage.
It is necessary to clean the living environment, change and wash bedding, curtains and items that come into contact with the skin. If you have dogs or cats, you should have regular health check-ups, deworm them, and especially take your pet to the vet when you see signs of skin disease to prevent infection to humans.
Dr. Thanh recommends that to prevent skin fungus from spreading from pets, pet owners need to clean and check their pets' health.
Pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits need to be kept clean and dewormed regularly. If you detect signs of skin disease in your pet (hair loss, flaky skin), take them to the vet for immediate treatment.
In addition, when infected with skin fungus due to contact with dogs, cats, etc., patients need to pay attention to personal hygiene regularly and avoid wearing wet clothes.
Boil clothes, iron clothes regularly or dry clothes in the sun, especially underwear. Avoid contact with sources of infection such as dogs, cats... Absolutely do not share clothes, blankets with people with the disease, avoid bathing with soap.
Skin Fungus: Don't Ignore ItSource: https://tuoitre.vn/ca-gia-dinh-bi-nhiem-nam-da-lay-tu-meo-20241119093554987.htm
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