Rats with non healing sores

Question
I have two 1 year old Fancy female Rats("Sox"&"Hat")They came from different litters, not neutered. "Sox" started with tiny cuts in the skin of her upper back which seem to be itchy, these became open sores, larger and larger. I tried to change the bedding, wash them without soaps, only plain water; changed diet to house diet for a week and then to "Regal Rat"  without improvement. I took "Sox" to the Vet who examined her and checked the skin under the microscope and found no evidence of parasites. The Vet did not have a diagnosis but said that it would be good to try 2 shots of anti-parasite medication (I don't recall the name of the drug but he said is of common used for mites and is safe for the Rats).I also separated the rats dividing their large cage. Sox's sores did not change after the 2 shots given one week apart. They actually grew more and new ones appeared. The sores are located on neck, shoulders and upper back. The sores are circular shape, raw, red and bumpy skin with scattered scabs some of which look loose with red skin under. No pus nor bleeding. I also have tried Hydrocortisone 1% mixed with Neosporin ointment topically once a day, but she licks it off. These medications have not worked either and now "Hat"(the other rat) is getting 2 small sores on her back and she is scratching constantly her face and getting them there too.
In general the 2 rats are active, with normal appetite, normal looking stool and urine. Their eyes at times ooze a red discharge but mostly look clear and normal. No abnormal breathing sounds either and their bellies are soft without lumps.
I did not go back to the vet because of the cost but I am concerned because this rash just seems to get worse.
Any ideas? I would appreciate any help. Thank you: Sarah E

Answer
It sounds to me like your rats actually have a fungal infection called ringworm. This is transferrable from rat to rat and rat to human and human to rat. However, it is also easily treatable as well. You can get some over the counter medication called Lotrimin, which is used for athlete's foot, from your local pharmacy. You should apply it 3-4 times per day, rubbing it completely into the skin in the areas where the sores are and for an inch or so around it. I would bath them once or twice a week, letting them dry before reapplying the medication as well, just to get the excess medication off of their fur and to help prevent it from spreading. Make sure that you use gloves when applying the medication and that you wash your hands and arms afterwards. Try to handle them as little as possible until it starts to clear up so that you do not catch it. When you do handle them, try to wear long sleeves, yes, in this heat, and try to cover your skin as much as possible as well. Shower afterwards as well to again, help prevent the spread of it. I would also recommend that you get some grapefruit seed extract for yourself, just in case the you do come into contact with it so that you do not get it as well.

The reason it is called ringworm is that, in humans at least, the fungi will cause a ring like sore. It is not life threatening or anything, but it can be painful and, again, contagious.

Tami
Social Rats Adoption and Rescue - Chicago, IL