Many animals are plagued by itchy skin. The constant scratching proves miserable for both pet and owner alike. Concerned owners get little sleep when their pet is up scratching all night. Skin inflammation is the underlying source of the itching and scratching. Inflammation can be caused by a variety of conditions including parasites, bacterial or yeast infections. Some animals can be predisposed to recurrent skin infections due to underlying sensitivities. These sensitivities can be allergies to food, allergies to environmental sources, or a combination of both.

The traditional holistic treatment of skin disease attempts to identify and treat the underlying systemic disorder causing the skin inflammation. When appropriate some herb therapy may assist in regulating or enhancing body systems to clear the underlying disorder, help optimize nutrition, assist in detoxifying and optimize vitality. 

Two herbs that have anti-bacterial activity include Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia) and Tea Trea (Melaleuca alternifolia) . One of the most important traditional uses for Echinacea was as a wash or dressing for snake and spider bites. It is potentially indicated as a simultaneous oral medicine and topical dressing for serious and infected wounds. Coneflower, an Echinacea species, is an ingredient All Clear Ointment for skin by PetWellbeing.com.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Tea tree treatments have been shown effective in clearing superficial skin sites and skin leasions. They are safe and well tolerated.