Parasitic / infectious skin disease (mange, ringworm)

Itching, hair loss, or scaly, crusty patches on your pet’s skin?

Mites and fungal infections like mange and ringworm can look just like allergies — itching, hair loss, and crusty skin. The right tests point to the right treatment.

Signs you might notice

Patchy hair loss

Hair loss, often in patches or circular areas

Itching — or not

Intense itching with some types, surprisingly little with others

Scaly, crusty skin

Scaling, crusting, redness, or thickened skin

Circular lesions

Round areas of hair loss, a classic sign of ringworm

What's really going on

Mange is caused by mites — sarcoptic mange (very itchy and contagious) and demodectic mange (often linked to a young or run-down immune system).

Ringworm isn’t a worm at all — it’s a fungal infection that can spread to other pets and to people.

These conditions can look exactly like allergies, which is why the right diagnostic tests matter before starting treatment.

How a specialist helps

A dermatologist runs the right in-house diagnostics — skin scrapings, fungal cultures, and microscopic exams — to identify the exact parasite or organism, then prescribes targeted treatment.

They also treat any secondary infections and advise on how to prevent spread to other pets and family members.

What to expect at your visit

A dermatology exam and history
Skin scrapings, fungal culture, and microscopic exams to confirm the cause
Targeted anti-parasitic or antifungal treatment
Guidance on decontamination and preventing spread

Common questions

Some — sarcoptic mange and ringworm can spread to people, which is why an accurate diagnosis and guidance matter. Demodectic mange is not contagious.

Get help for your pet

Request a visit with our team and we'll take it from here.