Mange is a skin condition in various mammals caused by parasitic mites that burrow into or live on the skin, leading to irritation and hair loss. While primarily associated with animals, mange can affect humans, though the infestation’s nature and severity differ by mite species. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing the condition and taking appropriate action.
Types of Mange and Their Hosts
Mange encompasses skin diseases caused by different mite species, each preferring particular hosts. Two prominent types are sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei and Demodex mites.
Sarcoptic mange, known as scabies in humans, is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Variants like Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis infest specific animal hosts, including dogs, cats, pigs, horses, and wild canids. These mites burrow into the outer skin layer, causing intense itching and irritation.
Demodectic mange, or demodicosis, is caused by Demodex mites. Unlike sarcoptic mites, Demodex mites reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Each mammal species hosts its own Demodex species; for example, dogs host Demodex canis, and humans host Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. These mites are generally not contagious across species and typically cause problems only when an animal’s immune system is compromised, leading to overpopulation.
How Mange Affects Humans
When humans contact animals with sarcoptic mange, they can experience transient skin irritation, often called “animal scabies” or “pseudo scabies.” Animal Sarcoptes scabiei mites, such as Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, can burrow into human skin, causing an intensely itchy rash with red bumps or blisters. This itching can be severe and may worsen at night.
However, animal mites do not complete their life cycle or establish persistent infestations on human skin because they are host-specific. Symptoms are typically self-limiting, resolving within days to a few weeks once contact with the infected animal ceases or the animal is treated. Lesions often appear on exposed areas like forearms, lower chest, abdomen, and thighs.
Human scabies is a distinct, persistent infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, a mite specifically adapted to humans. This human-specific mite burrows into the skin, lays eggs, and establishes long-term infestations, causing severe itching, skin rash, and visible burrows. While animal mites may cause temporary irritation, they do not lead to full-blown human scabies.
Preventing Transmission
Preventing mange transmission involves hygiene and managing infected animals. After handling animals suspected of mange, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. If a pet is diagnosed with mange, prompt veterinary treatment is important to eliminate mites and prevent further spread.
Cleaning the environment where an infected animal has been is also important, as some mites can survive off a host for a few days. Wash bedding, toys, and contaminated items in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle. For unwashable items, sealing them in plastic bags for at least 72 hours can kill remaining mites. Avoiding close contact with wild animals showing skin conditions also reduces exposure risk.
Seeking Medical Advice
If skin symptoms like persistent itching, redness, or a rash develop after animal contact, seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the skin condition, as mange symptoms can resemble other dermatological issues. Proper diagnosis is important to rule out other conditions and ensure appropriate treatment.
While animal-borne mite infestations in humans are often self-limiting, a doctor can guide symptom management and confirm if the irritation is transient or a persistent condition like human scabies. If symptoms are severe, worsen, or do not resolve, medical intervention may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent secondary complications.