One of the most common—and frustrating—concerns for alpaca and llama owners is dealing with skin problems. Whether it’s scaly patches, hair loss, or incessant itching, skin issues can be persistent and difficult to resolve without the right approach.
There are several potential causes of skin disease in camelids, including:
- Mange (usually either sarcoptic or chorioptic)
- Rain scald (Dermatophilus congolensis)
- Lice
- Fly strike
- Ringworm
- Allergies
- Autoimmune diseases.
Each condition can present differently, but some overlap in appearance means that even well-intentioned treatment can fail without a correct diagnosis. Adding to the challenge, a single post asking for advice in an online group can attract dozens of different suggestions. It’s no wonder owners find it overwhelming!
✅ Step One: Get a Proper Diagnosis
Before reaching for treatments, speak with your veterinarian. A hands-on examination combined with appropriate diagnostic tests—such as skin scrapings, tape impressions, or biopsies—can make all the difference. If your vet is less familiar with camelids, a consult with a specialist (like myself) can help guide the diagnostic and treatment process more efficiently.
In some cases, if it looks like mange, it is mange—but even then, a closer look is important. There are two main types:
- Sarcoptic mange (less common, but responsive to ivermectin injections)
- Chorioptic mange (more common, and not reliably treated with ivermectin)
Knowing which type you’re dealing with allows you to choose the right treatment from the start.
🧴 Why Topical Therapy Matters
When your animal is itchy, injecting ivermectin might seem like the quickest fix—but it’s rarely enough, or even the right approach. Imagine having itchy, inflamed skin yourself. One of the most effective ways to soothe it is with a warm shower or bath. Camelids are no different!
Topical therapy is essential—especially when the skin is crusty, scaly, or inflamed. Cleansing, soothing, and softening the skin allows deeper treatments (like mite-killing products) to work more effectively.
That’s why I’ve curated a range of non-prescription, camelid-friendly skin care products in the One Stop Camelid Shop to help you treat common problems confidently at home.
Common Skin Presentations & What to Use
Itchy, Red, Scaly or Crusty Skin
Redness usually means there’s active inflammation or infection. Start by consulting your vet for diagnostics.
In terms of treatment:
- Shampooing is a key part of therapy. Choose a product with anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and antibacterial properties.
- Prescription options: Sebomild, Sebolytic (vet only)
- Non-prescription option: Benzoic Shampoo (contains benzoyl peroxide) – available in the One Stop Shop
- Prescription options: Sebomild, Sebolytic (vet only)
- How to shampoo:
- Work it into all affected areas with a disposable scrub brush
- Leave on for 20 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Repeat 2–3 times per week until improvement is seen
- For mange: Apply a topical mite-killing treatment after shampooing.
- To soften thickened skin: Use Ozone Ointment between treatments.
Hair Loss or Poor Hair Regrowth
Hair loss can result from mange, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, or immune-mediated diseases. Once you’ve addressed the root cause, supporting hair regrowth is the next step.
That’s where the newly available Stimuderm Ultra range comes in:
- Contains Active NTM™, a patented vitamin-derived molecule
- Induces and prolongs the anagen phase (the longest and most active phase of the hair growth cycle)
- Soothes inflammation and prepares the skin for treatment.
- Concentrated leave-on formula with Active NTM™
- Speeds up follicle regeneration and enhances microcirculation
- Moisturising and skin-protective.
For best results, use together:
| Product | Frequency |
| Stimuderm Shampoo | Twice weekly, reducing to weekly |
| Stimuderm Serum | Daily for 2 weeks → then every other day → then twice weekly |
These products are not just for dogs—they’re ideal for camelids too. The underlying biology of hair growth is the same, even if alpaca fibre is far superior in quality!
Shop Smart, Treat Confidently
Skin conditions are frustrating—but with the right diagnosis and effective topical care, they’re very often manageable. Visit the One Stop Camelid Shop to find carefully selected products.
If your animal is itchy, scaly, or losing fibre—and you’re not sure where to start—reach out. A specialist consult can help ensure you’re on the right track. Contact us on 01491 680313 or email Sam: [email protected] to arrange an appointment.