long post branched from here

Hi Zoe, don`t see why you shouldn`t try it! :) As for *I feel like I'm just treating the symptons at the moment with the steroids and antibiotics.* Yes I know the feeling, rather than treating the cause??? I think we`d have to start another thread for that tho!!!!! :)
Here`s what else Val has to say.
Christine, Spain.

"For those of you who are interested in this topic - the following information
may be helpful:
A Sulphur 'dip' treatment will prove beneficial in almost all skin and hair
problems, i.e. dry scaly skin, dandruff, dull brittle hair, hair-loss, eczema,
etc. It is also suitable for use in flea and lice infestation, as well as
ringworm and mange.

MANGE is a skin disease caused by tiny parasites, called mites. There are two
common types of mites, one causes Demodectic mange and the other Sarcoptic
mange (scabies).

DEMODECTIC mange is the more common of the two forms. It is acquired as a puppy
congenitally from the dam and not infectious to other dogs. The mite Demodex
canis that lives in hair follicles is responsible. Most healthy dogs have this
little mite (in small numbers) as a normal inhabitant of their skin and it
causes no problem. However, when the dog's resistance is lowered e.g.
'inoculation', inadequate diet, or some form of debilitating disease, the
Demodex breed to produce tens of thousands of mites with serious consequences.
There are two distinct types:

The first type is a mild form referred to as 'localised' Demodectic mange. It
is typically seen in young puppies between three and nine months of age but
exceptions do occur. Patches of hair loss appear on the eyelids especially,
sometimes around the corners of the mouth and under the jaw, or on the
forelegs. Usually only half a dozen patches or less are seen. There may be
slight itching, but often the dog is not worried and the condition clears up by
itself within a month or so.

The second type is a more severe form and is referred to as 'generalised'
Demodectic mange. It is seen mainly in debilitated dogs where resistance is
low. Patches of hair loss appear all over the body. The dog scratches itself
intensely and causes damage to the skin, which becomes infected with bacteria
and pustules develop. Greyish black pigmentation takes to the areas of
thickening skin. A very unpleasant body smell develops and the hair feels
greasy. This type of Demodectic mange is a serious problem and may take 3 to 4
months to overcome. A home-prepared _BALANCED_ diet is essential to aid
recovery from 'within'.

SARCOPTIC mange is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabei and is very
different from Demodectic. The most commonly effected areas are the ears
(especially around the edges) and the elbows, although any area can be
affected. The dog develops an intense itch and will rub and scratch vigorously
at the areas. Hair usually falls out and the skin becomes flaky and sometimes
crusty. Scabies is highly contagious to other dogs and may even infect the
owners.

SULPHUR treatment is as follows:

INTERNAL: Homeopathic tablet SULPHUR 200 *Do not touch the tablets* ease one
tablet into the phial cap, transfer the tablet from the cap to a stainless
steel dessertspoon, and crush with an identical spoon. Gently loosen the powder
with the tip of the 'free' spoon, and then empty the powder directly onto the
dog's tongue. Hold the mouth closed for a couple of seconds. One or two hours
later - apply the 'dip' as follows:

EXTERNAL: Preparation - Empty 2 ounces of Sulphur (Potassium sulphide (poly)
'Liver of Sulphur') into eight pints (one gallon) of WARM water and stir to
dissolve. Use a clean dishcloth or something similar to soak the hair with the
liquid solution. Get right through to the skin and cover every part of the
body. Don't forget under the tail, between the toes and inside the earflaps.
Squeeze a few drops into the ears also. Be careful around the eyes, if the
solution gets into them it will sting. Once you have soaked the dog all over,
let it have a good shake, or mop any excess off with an old towel (do not rub)
then keep the dog in a warm place to dry naturally (windows must be kept open
for ventilation). DO NOT DRY THE DOG WITH A HAIR DRYER. Don't worry if the dog
licks itself, this solution is quite harmless - but it does SMELL!!!

Repeat tablet and 'dip' ONCE weekly for THREE weeks - or until the condition
has cleared.

Regards,
Val Hudson"

Thanks for that article Christine - very interesting!!!!