Cheyletiella is a genus of mites which live on the surface of the skin of cats, dogs and humans. Symptoms in animals range from no manifestations to extreme itching, scales on skin, and loss of hair. Manifestations in humans are – numerous red bumps on the trunk, arms, and buttocks; which are very itchy.
The adult Cheyletiella mite is 0.385 millimeters long, has 8 legs with combs, and palpi which terminate in hooks. They do not burrow into the skin, but dwell in the keratin. Their 21-day life cycle is on 1 host. Cheyletiella cannot stay alive off the host for more than 10 days. They tend to multiply very quickly and thus appropriate medication; promptly is very vital.
Cheyletiella causes what is known as cheyletiellosis; a mild dermatitis. The condition is also called walking dandruff because the scales are carried by the mites. This condition is commoner in those areas where fleas are less rampant, since there is a reduced use of flea products that are also effective for management of this mite.
How To Get Rid Of Cheyletiella Mites?
Diagnosis of the condition is made by the presence of mites or eggs microscopically in a skin scraping.
Commonly, infection happens due to contact with an infected animal. Weekly use of a topical pesticide for the affected pet is recommended. The animal, as well as the house or kennel must be treated simultaneously. Bathe your pet with pyrethrin shampoo twice a week for 4 weeks. Ensure that you follow the directions cautiously. Pyrethrin is obtained from a flowering plant but can be poisonous if overused.
Experts also advocate a lime sulphur dip. Give the animal a lime sulfur dip that is 98.7 % lime sulfur concentrate; every week days for 4 weeks. Apply fipronil spray as well.
Furthermore, you need to consult a vet to make sure that you are doing all that you can to get rid of the mite. Talk to your vet about your pet’s diet. A healthy pet usually gets rid off Cheyletiella mites by itself.
What’s more, notify the owners of the pets your pet may play with; or else infections could occur back and forth. You need to clean the house meticulously. Dust, vacuum, and wash, the linen and bed sheets in hot water every week. Get mite-resistant bed covers in case washing is not exterminating the mites. Ventilate your house well. Cheyletiella mites flourish in humid and dark places; thus it is very vital that you air all bedding and clothes and clean the place well.
Treatment Of Cheyletiella Mites On Humans
Check with your health care provider or dermatologist in case you have become infected from your pet. Symptoms such as itching can easily be managed. Add a drop of anti septic to your bath to prevent secondary infection. Also, add 3 drops of Lavender essential oil and 3 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to the bath water. Lavender helps allay itching, pain and discomfort; whilst Tea Tree will get rid of the mites and check other infections too.
Confer with your doctor and start medications immediately to prevent infection occurring back and forth between you and your pet.