mystery skin condition ~ can i handle my piggies?

[Pigmad]

i woke up with a bit of a rash on my shoulder on monday morning and went to docs yesterday as it had spread and got worse (come up in little bumps that look like spots) and they think it could be impetigo i have no idea if guinea pigs can catch this? i've not been handling them (OH has been feeding them) and i keep getting evils from them because they cant come out for cuddles

 

[sport_billy]

no idea but could you wear gloves to handle piggies?

 

[Midge&Panda]

I work in a nursery and due to health regulations if a child is suffering from impetigo they have to stay at home until it has cleared completely- its highly contagious (sp?). If it was me I wouldn't handle the pigs just to be absolutly certain. I wouldn't want to take the risk.

 

[BellasMummy]

My brother caught Impetigo whilst in hospital, I'm pretty sure he still touched the dogs we had at the time. Although saying that if its contagious then I probably wouldn't risk it.

 

[gogoguineas]

I wouldn't risk it at all- unless your doctor says it cannot be transferred to animals. All I know is it is mega contagious and when my mum had it she had a seperate towel, flannel etc as it spreads that easily.

I worry when I have a cold that i'll pass it on to them lol.

Hope it clears up soon for you!

 

[Pigmad]

thanks for all the replies, been back to the docs this morning and had it confirmed that i have ringworm good job i havent handled the piggies :o booking all 6 of them in at the vets for a checkup they all look ok but i want to put my mind at rest