Mange Mange is the common name for skin diseases due to parasitic microscopic Mites. Different types of mites can cause and carry diseases or cause inflammation and irritation of the skin in man and animals. Mange refers to the disease that parasitic skin mites cause; namely damaged and inflammed skin along with secondary allergic and bacterial problems. There are two classes of mites affecting dogs and cats. They both cause skin problems but they are quite different. They look different under the microscope and they have different life cycles. Demodex and Sarcoptic mange affect dogs and cats. Demodex Mange Red Mange Demodectic Mange Demodex Mange (or Red Mange) is caused by different species of Demodex mites. Demodex mange mites live in the hair folicules. Red mange is not contagious from one dog or cat to another, or to people. Mild cases of demodex may not itch much and may show up only as small patches of hairlessness. But the more severe cases of demodex mange may involve secondary skin infections causing inflammation, postules and severe itch. All dogs and cats likely have small numbers of demodex mites living in their skin. In dogs and sometimes cats with Demodex or red mange the number of mites have multiplied causing stimulation of the sebaceous glands, inflammation, irritation and immune system reactions. It is believed heredity may play a role in which animals end up with mange problems. Red mange (demodex or demodectic mange) is most common in younger animals between 4 and 16 months of age. Also in any animal of any age that has immune system problems can be impacted. Genetics, poor nutrition, parasitism, some diseases and some medical treatments can cause immune system problems. Hormonal changes and stresses can also increase the potential for mange problems. Skin scrapings are usually used to diagnose demodex, demodectic or red mange.
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