Article: If you suspect that your dog has mange, the first thing you should do is take him to the veterinarian. Treatments vary for the different types of mange and some medications can be toxic, so it is best to obtain an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian who can advise you on the right course of treatment. The process for diagnosing mange will vary from case to case. In some instances, the vet will be able to take a skin scraping from the affected area and analyze it under the microscope to look for mites or eggs. In situations where the mites are buried within the dog's skin -- such as in demodectic pododermatitis -- the vet may have to perform a deep biopsy to confirm the presence of mange. The vet will also perform a physical exam and take your pet's general health and history into account when making a diagnosis. Demodectic mange is characterized by thinning patches of hair that can scab over. They can be localized in one area or spread throughout the body. Demodectic mange is not contagious and cannot be transferred to humans. Demodectic mange -- also known as demodex or "red mange" -- is caused by mites that are transferred from mother to puppy during the first few days of life. These mites are present in all dogs and usually won't cause any problems. Mange occurs when mite populations proliferate in dogs with underdeveloped immune systems -- like puppies under the age of 18 months, older dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems. When the mites are concentrated in one or two isolated patches on the skin, this is known as localized demodectic mange, which presents as bald scaly patches, usually on the dog's face. Localized demodectic mange is most common in puppies and will usually clear up on its own with no need for treatment. When the mange is present in large patches or all over the dog's body, this is known as generalized demodectic mange. This type of mange produces bald, scaly patches of skin, which can be very itchy. When the dog scratches, sores can form which are susceptible to unpleasant-smelling bacterial infections. Generalized demodectic mange is most common in dogs with compromised immune systems and will require treatment. The most resistant form of demodectic mange is known as demodectic pododermatitis, which occurs only in the feet and is accompanied by bacterial infection. This type of mange is difficult to diagnose and treat. Sarcoptic mange symptoms are similar to those of a flea infestation, and involve excessive biting and scratching at the skin, thinning of the hair and hair loss and open sores. Sarcoptic mange -- also known as canine scabies -- is caused by microscopic mites that are easily transferred from host to host, including humans (where it causes a red bumpy rash, similar to mosquito bites). In dogs, symptoms of sarcoptic mange usually develop about one week following exposure. The dog may become restless and start scratching frantically, before scaly, bald patches start appearing on its face, elbows, ears and legs. If the mange is not treated immediately, it may spread all over the dog's body and become more resistant to treatment. Cheyletiella mange is caused by large, white mites which live on the surface of the skin and is characterized by a red bumpy rash and scaly, flaky skin in the hair along the dog's neck and spine. This type of mange is also known as "walking dandruff." The mites themselves that look like flakes of dandruff, so the "walking dandruff" is the mites moving around. Cheyletiella mange is highly contagious to other dogs (especially puppies) and can cause intense itching (although sometimes itching is completely absent). It is usually passed from puppy to puppy as a result of mite infestations in straw and animal bedding in pet shops and kennels. Cheyletiella mange can also be passed on to humans, causing an itchy, bumpy red rash on the arms, trunk and buttocks. However, the symptoms should disappear once the puppy has been treated, as the mites can't survive without a host for more than 10 days. However, as the use of straw in animal bedding is becoming less common and the use of flea-control preparations had risen, instances of cheyletiella mange are becoming less and less frequent.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Bring your dog to the vet. Look for symptoms of demodectic mange. Look for symptoms of sarcoptic mange. Look for symptoms of cheyletiella mange.
Article: Like many viral infections, the first line of defense against spreading HFMD is simply to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Your hands are most likely to come into contact with other people throughout your day and HFMD is spread primarily through direct contact. Teach your children the proper way to wash their hands to help them avoid contracting HFMD at school. To properly wash your hands, run them under warm water to wet them, then apply soap. Lather the soap over your entire hands, including the backs. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them. Sing "Happy Birthday" at least once while you're washing your hands to determine this time approximately. Dry your hands thoroughly. When there's a risk of HFMD infection, it's important to avoid direct physical contact with anyone that may be carrying the virus. HFMD transmits easily through close contact with others. Tell your kids not to hug or wrestle with other children at school. Do not share eating utensils or drinking glasses with anyone. In order to prevent the transmission of the virus that causes HFMD, you will need to regularly disinfect common areas where people infected with the virus may have been. It is a good habit to regularly disinfect any high traffic areas, particularly in schools and daycares. Use soap and water to clean areas, then disinfect them with a diluted solution of chlorine bleach and water. Disinfectant sprays also do a good job of eliminating the virus that causes HFMD on most surfaces. Make sure to clean counters, doorknobs, children's toys and anything else people touch regularly. You and those around you will need to exercise good cough and sneeze etiquette in order to minimize the chances of infecting one another if anyone were to become infected with HFMD. Use your arm to cover your mouth so as not to cover your hands in germs. Dispose of tissues you use immediately and don't leave them anywhere others may come in contact with them. Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze into them to prevent the spread of the virus. If you know someone that is exhibiting the symptoms of, or has been diagnosed with, HFMD you should keep them separate from others, particularly small children. While HFMD is usually a mild viral infection, it can lead to more serious issues. If one of your children exhibits symptoms of the illness, quarantine them in a room separate from any other children until they have recovered. Limit the exposure of people exhibiting symptoms to all others, particularly children. Keep sick children home from school so as to prevent them from spreading it to others. Stay home from work or school if you recognize the symptoms in yourself. It can be very easy to transmit infections like HFMD at school because of the number of children and their lack of understanding about sharing germs. Teach your kids good practices at home so they are better prepared while in class. Teach your children proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently, especially immediately before eating. Make sure they know not to share beverages or utensils at school. Tell your children to keep their hands and other objects away from their face and out of their mouth.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Wash your hands often. Avoid direct contact with others. Disinfect common areas. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Separate contagious people. Teach children how to avoid infection at school.