Often times dermatologists can end up in a rut in terms of treatments. Going through the same routine day after day prescribing the same skin creams and topical ointments for several patients, for whatever skin ailments come up. At Treiber Dermatology, Dr. Ruth Treiber MD and her staff know all too well that many dermatologists simply aren’t “brave” enough in their treatment methods. Recently studies have been conducted showing that many domesticated animals suffer similar skin issues as humans; ailments often exhibiting similar symptoms, as well as responding to similar treatments!

This overlap in skin disorders shows a unique correlation, never previously known, and veterinarians around the country are seeking help from their colleagues in the field of dermatology. Obviously, there are several differences between the average house pet, and human being, the most glaring of which being that they are covered in fur. This difference is where one of the issues in treatment come in. While in most human cases a topical ointment can be prescribed and applied directly to the skin, dogs or cats have a thick, fast growing layer of fur keeping their skin from the level of contact needed for such ointments to work. This is especially true of certain conditions like atopic dermatitis or rosacea. Dr. Eric Treiber believes the link between doctors and veterinarians points back to older times when one doctor would care for all members of a family including the family pet!
Being faced with more and more cases of these issues, veterinarians have had to come up with a systemic and immune-system based treatment for atopic dermatitis in dogs, while in humans most treatment method call for a topical cream. The results of the immune based treatment in canines have steadily been improving over time, with better and better results as dermatology researchers and vets come together. This has brought to light the idea that these treatments may be useful for humans as well, as in certain cases humans have grown resistant to topical treatments.
While studying skin disorders in pets, researchers have found links between fleas and mites that attach themselves to our beloved dogs and cats, to the mites that infect the human skin. Dr. Eric Treiber feels these similarities may help us further understand these conditions and provide us methods in treatment, for both us and our pets alike!