Common Alpaca Skin Problems

Alpaca Skin Problems

Recognising and Managing Common Alpaca Skin Problems

Skin disease is one of the most common reasons alpacas require veterinary attention. Although many conditions can look similar in the early stages, successful treatment depends on reaching the correct diagnosis before starting treatment. Trying different products without understanding the underlying cause can delay recovery and, in some cases, make the condition worse.

Skin disease can be painful and distressing for the alpaca and equally upsetting and frustrating for owners, particularly when treatment is prolonged. Persistent skin damage and fibre loss can also affect an alpaca's value and saleability, making early diagnosis and effective treatment even more important.

Not every change to the skin or fleece requires treatment. As alpacas age, gradual fibre loss and mild thickening of the skin can occur naturally in areas of repeated movement and pressure, such as around the knees, stifles and within the leg folds. Small bald pressure areas where alpacas regularly cush are also common. These age-related changes are usually cosmetic and do not require treatment unless the skin becomes inflamed, painful or shows other signs of disease.

This guide explains the most common alpaca skin conditions, the principles behind successful treatment and the products we use ourselves. More importantly, it explains the different stages of treatment, helping you work alongside your veterinary surgeon and make informed decisions throughout your alpaca's recovery.

Most skin conditions can be managed very successfully with a logical treatment plan, consistency and patience. Recovery takes time, and treatment often needs to change as the skin heals. Rather than recommending a single product, this guide explains why different products are used at different stages and how each one fits into the overall treatment plan.

Whether you're dealing with mites, fungal disease, bacterial infection, flystrike or simply dry, healing skin, our aim is to help you understand what is happening, know when to seek veterinary advice and support your alpaca's recovery with confidence.

Top Tip: Always take photographs before treatment begins and before every treatment. They are one of the most valuable tools for monitoring progress.

Before We Start

Important: This article is based on practical alpaca management experience and is intended for general educational purposes. If your alpaca develops a skin problem, or you have any concerns about their health or welfare, consult your veterinary surgeon as early as possible

It is important to be aware that there are currently no medications licensed specifically for use in alpacas and other camelids in the UK. Treatments are often prescribed under the veterinary cascade based on experience with similar species.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Alpaca Power may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

We only recommend products that we use ourselves or have found genuinely useful over many years of caring for alpacas. They are intended as examples of the approaches that have worked well for us rather than an exhaustive list of every suitable product.

Is It Definitely Mites?

While mange mites are one of the more common causes of skin disease in alpacas, they are not the only possibility. Other skin conditions can produce remarkably similar signs, including nutritional deficiencies, fly and midge irritation, allergies, autoimmune disease and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Once the skin barrier is damaged, bacterial and fungal infections commonly develop, further aggravating the condition and making the original cause much more difficult to recognise.

For this reason, simply selecting a product from the shelf and hoping it works after the first or second application is rarely the best approach. Your veterinary surgeon should examine both the alpaca and the lesions (areas of damaged skin) and, where appropriate, take a selection of samples to help reach a diagnosis.

These investigations may include skin scrapings, impression smears, hair plucks, fungal culture, skin biopsies or other diagnostic tests. Reaching the correct diagnosis allows the most appropriate treatment plan to be developed, giving your alpaca the best chance of a successful recovery.

Top Tip: Many skin conditions look remarkably similar, but their treatment can be completely different. An accurate diagnosis is almost always quicker, cheaper and more successful than repeatedly trying different products.

Mange Mites

Mange mites are one of the most common causes of skin disease in alpacas. The two species of greatest clinical importance are Chorioptes and Sarcoptes, although other mite species are occasionally encountered. It is important to determine which mite is involved, as their behaviour and treatment are very different.

Mange can be extremely uncomfortable and, as the skin becomes inflamed, cracked or infected, painful as well as itchy. Repeated scratching, biting and rubbing causes further self-trauma and this 'itch-scratch cycle' can rapidly make the skin much worse.

Chorioptes

Chorioptes is a surface-living mite that feeds on dead skin cells. It causes irritation, encouraging the alpaca to scratch, bite and rub affected areas, particularly the feet and lower limbs, although the armpits, groin, belly and underneath the tail may also be affected. Treatment involves several applications of a topical fipronil spray at appropriate intervals to kill all stages of the mite's life cycle. Injectable ivermectin-based treatments are generally ineffective against Chorioptes and should not be used routinely for this purpose. Your veterinary surgeon will recommend the most appropriate treatment for the mite identified.

Sarcoptes

In contrast, Sarcoptes (sarcoptes scabiei) is a burrowing mite that tunnels deep into the skin, feeding on tissue fluids and causing intense, relentless itching. Treatment typically involves a course of injectable ivermectin-class medications administered at appropriate intervals to eliminate all stages of the mite's life cycle.

Because neither treatment kills every stage of the mite's life cycle immediately, repeated treatments are usually required over several weeks. It is important to complete the full treatment course prescribed by your veterinary surgeon, even if your alpaca appears to improve after the first few treatments.

Both mite species cause intense irritation, leading to scratching, biting and rubbing. This self-trauma damages the skin barrier and commonly results in secondary bacterial or fungal infections, making the condition progressively more difficult to manage if left untreated.

Diagnosis

Several superficial skin scrapings are required to help establish which mite is present. Your veterinary surgeon should also examine the ears carefully as part of the investigation for Chorioptes infestation and may occasionally identify Psoroptes mites affecting the pinnae or outer ear canals. Head shaking, ear scratching, crusting or excessive dark waxy material within the ears should always be investigated.

However, mites are not always identified, and your veterinary surgeon may occasionally recommend treatment based on the clinical signs and history alone. These investigations, together with your alpaca's response to treatment, help build the overall clinical picture.

Treating the Environment and Equipment

Successful treatment also includes cleaning and disinfecting shelters and handling areas, together with removing old bedding and replacing it where appropriate, to reduce environmental contamination and help prevent reinfection. In dry shelters, food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) can be applied to cracks and crevices to help reduce insect populations as part of a wider parasite and fly control programme.

Any items that come into contact with affected alpacas, including headcollars, towels and coats should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reuse.

Skin Barrier Repair

The treatments described above address the underlying skin disease, but repairing the damaged skin barrier takes considerably longer. This is where appropriate shampoos, moisturisers and barrier creams become an important part of the overall treatment plan, supporting the skin as it repairs.

Although the underlying disease may have been successfully treated, thickened skin often takes much longer to recover. As healthy skin gradually replaces damaged tissue, the skin should slowly soften and become more supple, although this may take several weeks or even months. Continued skin care and patience are often required long after the underlying disease has resolved.

Top Tip: Treating the underlying disease is only the first step. Restoring a healthy skin barrier is just as important for a successful long-term outcome.

Bacterial Skin Infections (including Rain Scald)

Secondary bacterial skin infections are one of the most common complications of damaged skin. They rarely occur without an underlying cause and are most commonly seen following self-trauma in response to the conditions described on this page, all of which damage the skin.

Why do bacterial infections develop?

Once the skin has been damaged, bacteria that normally live harmlessly on the skin are able to multiply, causing further inflammation, discomfort and delayed healing. Cracks, abrasions and small wounds in damaged skin also provide an easy route for infection and can become increasingly sore and painful if left untreated.

Rain scald is a specific bacterial skin infection caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. Although less common in alpacas than in some other species, prolonged wetting of the skin, for example sitting out in persistent wet weather, can create ideal conditions for infection. This is most commonly seen along the back or at the base of the neck. The fleece often appears darker than the surrounding fibre and may look persistently wet, even when the rest of the fleece has dried. This is because the infection produces a moist, exudative dermatitis beneath the fibre.

Successful treatment depends on identifying and managing both the underlying cause and the bacterial infection, allowing healthy new skin to form across the damaged areas. Treating the bacterial infection alone without addressing the original problem often results in recurrence.

Diagnosis

Your veterinary surgeon will examine the affected areas and prescribe a treatment plan. Where appropriate, they may take impression smears, samples for bacterial culture or other diagnostic samples to help identify the organisms involved and guide treatment.

Superficial Bacterial Skin Infections

Most superficial bacterial infections can be managed with topical therapy alone under veterinary guidance. This typically involves medicated shampoos, washes or mousses. Systemic antibiotics should be reserved for deeper, extensive or otherwise severe infections where clinically indicated.

Initial treatment focuses on gently bathing crusts from the skin surface, physically reducing the bacterial population to create a healthy environment for healing. Your veterinary surgeon may recommend chlorhexidine-based shampoos, surgical scrubs, mousses or foams, together with antifungal shampoos where yeast organisms are also involved.

Bathing is usually followed by the application of moisturising creams to soothe the skin and support repair. During the early stages of treatment, bathing and moisturising are commonly repeated several times each week before gradually reducing the frequency as the skin improves.

Essential Part of Treatment: Clip the fibre away from affected areas before treatment wherever possible. This improves access for bathing and topical medications, allows the skin to dry, and makes it much easier to monitor healing. Depending on the size and location of the lesions, this can usually be achieved with close clippers or careful use of blunt-ended scissors.

Top Tip: Successful treatment doesn't stop when the infection is under control. Continue the skin care programme recommended by your veterinary surgeon until the skin has fully recovered and returned to its normal appearance.

Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal skin infections are less common than bacterial skin infections in alpacas. They are most often associated with chronic skin disease, where prolonged inflammation disrupts the normal balance of microorganisms living on the skin.

Yeast infections, particularly those caused by Malassezia species, may develop alongside bacterial infections and contribute to greasy skin, unpleasant odours and delayed healing. Your veterinary surgeon may recommend an antifungal shampoo as part of the treatment plan where these organisms are identified or suspected.

Dermatophytes (Ringworm)

Fortunately, dermatophyte infections (ringworm) are relatively uncommon in alpacas but remain an important differential diagnosis because they are contagious and can be transmitted to other animals and people.

Typical signs include circular areas of fibre loss, scaling, crusting and broken fibres, although the appearance can vary considerably. Ringworm cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone, and your veterinary surgeon may recommend fungal culture or other diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis before treatment begins.

If ringworm is suspected or confirmed, affected alpacas should be moved to a dedicated isolation area, ideally with a concrete floor to allow effective cleaning and disinfection. They should always remain with compatible companions of the same sex throughout treatment.

Equipment used for affected alpacas should be cleaned and disinfected after use, and good personal hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of spreading infection to other animals or people.

Top Tip: Always wear disposable gloves when examining or treating suspected ringworm lesions and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Good hygiene protects both you and the rest of your herd.

Fly and Midge Irritation

Fly and midge irritation is a common seasonal cause of skin problems in alpacas. Repeated biting encourages affected animals to scratch, bite and rub at irritated areas, damaging the skin and allowing secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop.

Different biting insects tend to affect different parts of the body. In our experience, persistent nuisance flies around the face and eyes may produce numerous tiny areas of fibre loss, while horse flies and biting midges more often irritate the belly, legs and other sparsely fleeced areas causing painful, itchy bites that often lead to intense scratching and biting.

Some alpacas are much more sensitive to biting insects than others and may develop persistent irritation throughout the fly season.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on the seasonal pattern, distribution of the lesions and examination by your veterinary surgeon. Because many skin conditions produce similar signs, it is important not to assume that every itchy alpaca is suffering from fly or midge irritation, particularly if the problem persists outside the fly season.

Management

Successful management combines prompt treatment of damaged skin with effective fly and midge control to prevent further irritation. Reducing exposure to biting insects gives the skin the opportunity to heal while helping to prevent secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

Soothing creams help improve comfort, while fly repellents reduce further irritation and give the skin a chance to heal. Regular observation throughout the fly season allows new areas of irritation to be identified and treated before they progress.

Flystrike

Flystrike is a veterinary emergency and should never be confused with simple fly irritation. Blowflies lay eggs on damaged skin or contaminated fleece, allowing maggots to hatch and rapidly invade the surrounding tissues. Affected alpacas are often depressed, painful and may have a foul smell, wet fleece or obvious maggots beneath the fibre.

Immediate veterinary treatment is essential. Early clipping, removal of maggots, pain relief and appropriate medication can be lifesaving. If you suspect flystrike, do not delay treatment.

Top Tip: Preventing further insect bites is just as important as treating the damaged skin. Effective fly control gives the skin the best opportunity to heal.

For detailed advice on flystrike prevention and management, and seasonal fly and midge control, please see our Fly Control guide.

Fly Control for Alpacas

Nutritional Skin Disorders

Nutritional deficiencies are a recognised cause of poor skin and fleece quality in alpacas and should always be considered as part of the diagnostic investigation, even in animals receiving an alpaca-specific mineral supplement every day. Because changes often develop gradually, they can easily be mistaken for other skin conditions or simply dismissed as poor fibre quality.

Healthy skin relies on an adequate supply of energy, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Deficiencies or imbalances can affect the skin's ability to repair itself, maintain its normal protective barrier and produce healthy fibre.

Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis

Zinc-responsive dermatosis is a recognised skin condition in alpacas. Unlike many of the skin conditions described on this page, affected alpacas are often not itchy.

Typical signs include symmetrical areas of fibre loss, scaling and crusting, particularly affecting the ears, nose and lower limbs, although the appearance can vary considerably. The condition appears to be reported more frequently in darker coloured alpacas, although it can occur in any colour.

Although zinc-responsive dermatosis responds to zinc supplementation, the underlying problem is not always a simple dietary deficiency. In some alpacas, the condition is thought to be related to how zinc is absorbed or utilised within the body rather than the amount present in the diet.

Diagnosis should always be made by your veterinary surgeon, as many other skin conditions can produce similar signs. Blood tests may be performed as part of the investigation, although blood zinc concentrations are not always reliable indicators of the condition. Your veterinary surgeon may recommend additional investigations, including skin biopsy, where appropriate.

Management

Successful management depends on identifying and correcting the underlying nutritional problem. Your veterinary surgeon may recommend dietary changes or nutritional supplements depending on the individual animal and the suspected cause.

Because nutritional skin disorders develop slowly, improvement is also gradual. Even after the underlying problem has been corrected, it takes time for healthy skin and fibre to replace damaged tissue.

Top Tip: Unlike many other skin conditions, zinc-responsive dermatosis is often not itchy. If your alpaca has symmetrical areas of fibre loss and crusting but shows little or no scratching, ask your veterinary surgeon whether a nutritional cause should be considered as part of the investigation.

Allergic and Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Allergic and inflammatory skin conditions are less common than parasitic, bacterial or fungal skin problems but remain an important consideration, particularly when routine treatments have failed or skin problems repeatedly recur.

Unlike mange mites or bacterial infections, allergic skin conditions are often diagnosed by exclusion of other conditions. This means your veterinary surgeon will usually investigate and rule out more common causes of skin disease before considering an allergic or immune-mediated condition.

Midge Allergy (Culicoides Hypersensitivity)

Some alpacas appear to develop a hypersensitivity reaction to the saliva of biting midges (Culicoides species). While many alpacas experience occasional midge bites with little consequence, affected animals develop a much more severe inflammatory response, resulting in persistent irritation and skin damage.

Because the skin changes can look very similar to those caused by mites, bacterial infections or other conditions, veterinary investigation is important before assuming an allergy is present.

Diagnosis

There is no single test that confirms allergic skin conditions. Your veterinary surgeon will consider your alpaca's history, the seasonal pattern, distribution of the lesions and response to previous treatments, while systematically ruling out more common causes such as mites, bacterial infections, fungal infections and nutritional disorders.

This process takes time, but is essential to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

Management

Successful management focuses on reducing exposure to the suspected trigger wherever possible while controlling inflammation and repairing the damaged skin.

Although allergen-specific immunotherapy is becoming an exciting area of research in horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity, there is currently very little published evidence for its use in alpacas. At present, treatment remains focused on accurate diagnosis, reducing insect exposure and following the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinary surgeon.

Top Tip: When skin problems repeatedly recur despite appropriate treatment, ask your veterinary surgeon whether an allergic or inflammatory skin condition should be considered as part of the investigation.

Lice and Ticks

Lice and ticks are recognised causes of skin irritation in alpacas but appear to be uncommon in the UK. Published UK prevalence data are limited, and we have not encountered lice during more than 24 years of keeping alpacas. Nevertheless, they should always be considered during the initial examination of any alpaca with skin disease because they are readily visible and can often be identified before more invasive diagnostic tests are required.

Examination

Your veterinary surgeon will carefully examine the fleece and skin for evidence of external parasites as part of every dermatological examination. Particular attention should be paid to the ears, face, armpits, groin and other sparsely fleeced areas where parasites may be found.

Ticks are usually visible to the naked eye once attached and can normally be removed safely using a suitable tick removal tool. Lice and their eggs may also be identified by careful examination of the fleece and skin.

Top Tip: A thorough dermatological examination always begins with careful visual inspection before moving on to more invasive investigations such as skin scrapings or biopsies.

Less Common Skin Conditions

Fortunately, most alpaca skin conditions can be diagnosed by working logically through the more common causes described on this page. Occasionally, however, your veterinary surgeon may suspect a less common condition requiring additional investigations.

These may include autoimmune skin diseases, photosensitisation, viral skin lesions, skin tumours and other uncommon disorders affecting the skin.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing less common skin conditions often requires additional investigations. Depending on the appearance and distribution of the lesions, your veterinary surgeon may recommend skin biopsies, blood tests or other laboratory investigations to reach a definitive diagnosis.

Top Tip: Any skin lump, persistent ulcer, non-healing wound or unusual skin lesion should be examined by your veterinary surgeon. Early investigation often leads to a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Getting the Best Results

Successful treatment depends on much more than using the appropriate shampoo or cream. A veterinary diagnosis should always be the first step, followed by a well-thought-out treatment plan, including realistic timescales and regular reviews. There is rarely a quick fix for skin conditions. Restoring healthy skin takes time, commitment and patience.

Treating skin conditions can be time-consuming, particularly when large areas of skin are affected. Planning each treatment session and getting everything you need ready before you fetch your alpacas makes the whole process quicker, less stressful and more effective for both you and your animals. Keeping alpacas with their companions also helps reduce stress and makes treatment sessions calmer and more manageable.

The aim is not simply to remove the visible signs of disease, but to create the best possible conditions for healthy skin to repair and new fibre to regrow. Although alpacas are often sore and reluctant to be handled initially, using products correctly and applying them gently helps create a more soothing experience, together with calm, respectful handling, helps many alpacas become more accepting of treatment as their skin begins to heal.

Preparing for Treatment

Before bringing your alpaca into the handling area, check you have:

At least one compatible companion to remain with your alpaca throughout treatment.
Offer hay and/or feed throughout to encourage a positive experience.
A camera or mobile phone to photograph the lesions before treatment and monitor progress over time.
Your veterinary treatment plan or your own written treatment checklist.
Disposable gloves.
All shampoos, creams and prescribed medications ready.
Buckets of warm (not hot) water.
A sponge, exfoliating mitt or other bathing equipment.
Clean towels.
Any applicators needed for creams, mousses or foams.
A safe, dry area for treatment.

Warm water is much more comfortable on sore skin, helps warm the skin and soften crusts before applying topical products.

Where appropriate, some alpacas benefit from standing or sitting quietly in a warm bath for 10–15 minutes before treatment, particularly where the lower legs, belly, armpits, groin or other sparsely fleeced areas are affected. Soaking allows crusts to soften naturally, making them much easier and more comfortable to remove while improving contact between topical products and the skin.

Some alpacas may need several short, positive training sessions before they are happy to stand quietly in a bath. With patience and calm, consistent handling, many learn to relax and tolerate soaking well, making future treatments much easier for everyone.

Clipping Around Lesions

Ideally, the fibre surrounding affected areas should have been clipped during the initial veterinary examination. This allows the skin to be examined properly, samples to be collected where necessary and treatment to begin immediately.

If additional clipping is required during treatment, your veterinary surgeon can advise how much fibre should be removed and the safest way to do this.

Remember that clipping removes much of the alpaca's natural insulation. Before clipping extensive areas, consider how you will keep your alpaca warm, dry and comfortable until the fleece has regrown.

Bare skin, especially on pale coloured animals, is also more vulnerable to sunburn during periods of strong sunshine. Until the fleece has regrown, provide access to shade and see the section on Protecting Healing Skin for advice on suitable barrier creams which include sunscreen.

Applying Skin Treatments

Successful skin treatment is not about how quickly you can finish the job. The aim is to make each treatment session as comfortable and stress-free as possible while giving the products time to work.

Bathing

Warm water is the first stage of treatment. Using a dedicated sponge to soak the affected areas with warm water helps warm the skin, soften crusts and prepare it before shampoos or other topical products are applied. Softening and removing loose crusts allows shampoos and topical products to reach the underlying skin more effectively.

Next, apply the product gently, massaging the affected areas and allowing loosened crusts to separate naturally. Leave the product in contact with the skin for the recommended time, following the manufacturer's instructions or your veterinary surgeon's advice.

Take extra care when treating the head. Avoid getting shampoos, sprays or creams into the eyes, nostrils or mouth, and use a soft sponge or cloth to work carefully around these sensitive areas.

Avoid the temptation to scrub vigorously or remove every crust during the first treatment. Work gently and only do as much as your alpaca is comfortable tolerating. Skin conditions improve over time but require trust, and another treatment session can always be carried out the following day if necessary.

Always consider the weather before bathing your alpaca. Low temperatures and wind can chill an alpaca very quickly once the fleece is wet to the skin. It may not be appropriate to bathe the whole animal or large areas of the body. Instead, treat smaller areas if the product needs to air dry or consider using a leave-on product instead. Once bathed, if the product instructions allow, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel and keep your alpaca warm until completely dry. During colder weather, a coat may be helpful until the skin is dry and any moisturising creams have had time to soak in.

Top Tip: Alpacas that have been heavily clipped or have large areas of bare skin can lose body heat because they've lost much of their natural insulation. A healthy fleece provides protection from cold, wind and rain. Throughout treatment, and until the fleece has regrown, keep a close eye on both the weather and your alpaca's body condition. Additional protein-based nutrition and/or a coat may be needed to help maintain body condition while the fleece regrows and normal insulation is restored.

During Contact Time

During the required contact time, give your alpaca a break with their companion and favourite treats to reward their behaviour and make treatment a positive experience. Use this time to quietly observe your alpaca. Changes in scratching, rubbing, comfort or behaviour can provide useful information about how well the treatment is working and whether further veterinary advice may be needed.

Once the recommended contact time has elapsed, bring your alpaca back to the handling area to rinse, dry or leave the product on the skin as directed.

Top Tip: For lower legs and other awkward areas, a simple sponge attached securely to a lightweight pole allows you to stand a little further away rather than reaching underneath your alpaca with your hands and arms. This can feel much less threatening and make bathing easier for both you and your alpaca. Whatever you use, make sure it is smooth, secure and safe.

Monitoring Progress

Skin Diseases Are Managed, Not Cured

Successful treatment is usually gradual, which is why regular photographs are so valuable. Reduced itching, reflected by reduced scratching, is an important improvement for your alpaca's comfort and welfare. Fewer crusts, less flaking, healthier skin and signs of new fibre growth are all positive indications that treatment is working.

Remember that it takes several weeks for healthy skin to repair and begin to look normal. In some cases the skin may remain thickened or scarred. Permanent fibre loss can occur as a result of the disease process. Similar changes may also persist in areas where there are natural skin folds, such as behind the knees, in the armpits or groin, where repeated movement and friction can make return to a normal appearance more difficult. This does not mean treatment has failed. The aim is to restore the skin to the healthiest, most comfortable state possible while restoring normal skin function.

Stay the Course

Although it can be tempting to change products when progress appears to have stalled, this is rarely helpful without veterinary advice. Skin repair takes time, and changing treatments too quickly can make it difficult to judge what is working. Consistency, patience and regular reviews are usually the key to achieving the best outcome.

Remember that successful treatment is measured by much more than the appearance of the skin. A happier alpaca, reduced irritation, improved comfort, better mobility, normal behaviour and an improved quality of life are often the most important signs that treatment is working.

For alpacas affected by seasonal skin conditions, flare-ups are likely to occur again. Prevention, early recognition and prompt treatment are often the key to keeping these animals comfortable throughout their lives.

Top Tip: Focus on improving your alpaca's comfort and quality of life, not simply achieving perfect-looking skin.

Nutritional Support

Treatment goal

Healthy skin depends on good nutrition. Although nutritional supplements will not cure skin disease, correcting deficiencies and providing appropriate nutritional support helps maintain normal skin function and supports recovery alongside veterinary treatment.

Recommended Products

Eggs-Port Xtra Care Oral Gel

Active ingredients: Chelated zinc, biotin, sulphur and MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane).

This oral gel is specifically formulated to support healthy skin, fleece and feet in alpacas and llamas. It supports alpacas with dry, flaky skin, poor fibre quality or where additional nutritional support is required during recovery from skin disease. It is also be a practical way of providing targeted nutritional support to individual animals.

View Eggs-Port Xtra Care Oral Gel

Dodson & Horrell Itch-Free Horse Supplement

Active ingredients: Herbal support for a healthy coat and skin

This herbal supplement is designed to support horses prone to seasonal skin irritation and itching. We use it to support alpacas that are hypersensitive to midges as part of our wider management programme and introduce it before the midge season begins, rather than after itchiness has developed. In our experience, alpacas receiving it throughout the midge season appear to scratch less and remain more comfortable. However, published evidence supporting its use in alpacas is currently absent.

View Dodson & Horrell Itch-Free

Alpaca NutriVit Oral Supplement

Active ingredients: Vitamins, trace elements and minerals.

NutriVit is a balanced oral vitamin and mineral supplement designed specifically for alpacas. We use it to provide additional nutritional support during periods of illness, recovery, stress or increased nutritional demand, helping maintain general health alongside a balanced diet. We choose it over other mineral drenches because it is well tolerated by alpacas and doesn't tend to make them cough. It is intended to complement, rather than replace, a good-quality daily alpaca mineral supplement.

View Alpaca Nutrivit

Garlic Supplement

Active ingredient: Garlic.

We add garlic granules to our alpacas' daily mineral supplement before the fly season begins to help deter flies as part of our integrated fly control management plan.

View NAF Garlic Granules

Monitoring Body Condition

Throughout treatment, monitor your alpaca's body condition score regularly. Animals with extensive skin disease, large clipped areas or prolonged fibre regrowth may require additional protein-based nutrition to help maintain body condition and support fleece production.

Always discuss significant dietary changes with your veterinary surgeon, particularly if your alpaca has other underlying health conditions.

The nutritional supplements we use to support recovery are listed on our Recommended Products page.

Top Tip: No nutritional supplement can replace an accurate diagnosis or appropriate treatment. The greatest benefits are achieved when good nutrition is combined with veterinary treatment, effective parasite control and good skin care.

Building Your Alpaca Skin Care Kit

Choosing skin care products can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of shampoos, creams, sprays and ointments available, all claiming to soothe, repair or heal damaged skin.

The most important question isn't "Which product should I buy?" It's "What am I trying to achieve?"

Some products remove crusts and scales. Others reduce bacteria or fungi. Some soothe irritated skin, while others moisturise, protect or restore the skin barrier. No single product is suitable for every skin condition, which is why obtaining a veterinary diagnosis before starting treatment is so important.

The products below are grouped according to their function, together with their active ingredients and the part they play in managing skin disease. Understanding what each ingredient does will help you make informed choices and use products more effectively alongside your veterinary surgeon's treatment plan.

Where suitable alternatives are available, we've included the active ingredients so you can compare products rather than feeling tied to a particular brand.

Top Tip: Preparing the skin properly often has a greater influence on treatment success than changing from one shampoo to another.

Managing Scaly and Crusted Skin

Treatment goal

Thick scale and crusting on the skin surface are a common presentation in alpacas exhibiting signs of skin disease. They are not a normal finding and usually indicate an underlying condition that requires veterinary diagnosis. Once the cause has been identified, softening and removing excess scale and crusts is typically the first step in repairing the skin. This allows topical treatments to reach the skin more effectively, improves comfort and supports the healing process.

Sebolytic Shampoo

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, linoleic acid, zinc gluconate, Vitamin B6.

Sebolytic shampoo from Virbac is our preferred shampoo for alpacas with heavy crusting and excessive scaling. It helps soften crusts, loosen dead skin and regulate skin turnover, making scales easier to remove gently over a series of treatments while preparing the skin for further topical therapy. It also has mild antibacterial properties, helping to create a healthier environment for skin repair.

View Sebolytic Shampoo

Zincoseb Shampoo

Active ingredients: Colloidal sulphur, salicylic acid, zinc, lanolin and colloidal oatmeal.

Zincoseb is another good option where crusting, scaling and dry, flaky skin are present. Like Sebolytic, it helps soften crusts and remove excess scale while supporting skin turnover. The addition of colloidal oatmeal and lanolin provides additional moisturising and soothing properties, making it a good choice for drier or more sensitive skin.

View Zincoseb Shampoo

Other shampoos may also be suitable, but many are designed primarily to cleanse or soothe the skin rather than soften crusts and remove heavy scale.

Top Tip: Medicated shampoos only work if they remain in contact with the skin for long enough. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions or your veterinary surgeon's advice, and avoid rinsing too soon.

Managing Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections

Treatment goal

Reduce the number of bacteria and fungi on the skin, allowing inflammation to settle and the damaged skin barrier to recover. This creates a healthier environment for skin repair and recovery.

Bacteria and fungi are a normal part of healthy skin, but once the skin barrier has been damaged they can multiply rapidly and delay healing. Reducing the number of these organisms and correcting imbalances helps create a healthier environment for skin repair. The most appropriate product will depend on the underlying diagnosis and whether antibacterial, antifungal or combined treatment is required.

Hibiwash (4% chlorhexidine)

Active ingredient: Chlorhexidine.

Hibiwash is a chlorhexidine surgical scrub that must always be diluted before use. We recommend diluting it in warm water and applying it gently with damp cotton wool, a clean sponge or an exfoliating mitt. It is particularly useful for treating small, localised areas of bacterial infection.

View Hibiwash

CLX Foam

Active ingredients: Chlorhexidine, glycerin & lanolin.

This leave-on product can be particularly useful for alpacas that dislike bathing or where treating small areas between baths is more practical. It is also useful between shampoo treatments when more frequent application is required.

View CLX Foam

CLX Wipes

Active ingredients: Chlorhexidine, Tris-EDTA and zinc gluconate.

These ready-to-use wipes are useful for cleaning small, localised areas, skin folds and lower limbs. They provide convenient daily cleansing between baths or whenever full bathing is impractical.

View CLX Wipes

Malaseb Shampoo

Active ingredients: Chlorhexidine and miconazole.

Malaseb is a veterinary prescription shampoo used where bacterial and fungal organisms may both be contributing to skin disease. The combination of chlorhexidine and miconazole helps reduce bacteria and yeasts while cleansing the skin, making it a common choice for mixed bacterial and yeast infections.

View Malaseb Shampoo

Non-Prescription Alternatives to Malaseb

If a prescription product is not required, the following non-prescription shampoos may provide suitable alternatives depending on your veterinary surgeon's recommendations.

TrizCHLOR 4 Shampoo

Active ingredients: Chlorhexidine, miconazole and Tris-EDTA.

This non-prescription shampoo contains a similar combination of active ingredients to Malaseb and can be purchased without a veterinary prescription. Tris-EDTA helps disrupt bacterial cell walls and biofilms, allowing chlorhexidine to work more effectively. It provides an excellent alternative where your veterinary surgeon recommends a chlorhexidine/miconazole shampoo but a prescription product is not required.

View TrizCHLOR 4 Shampoo

DOUXO® S3 PYO Shampoo

Active ingredients: 3% chlorhexidine digluconate and Ophytrium.

Although it does not contain miconazole, DOUXO S3 PYO provides broad-spectrum antibacterial activity together with antifungal activity against yeasts such as Malassezia. It is commonly recommended where bacterial skin infections are present, while Ophytrium helps support and strengthen the skin barrier and soothe irritated skin.

View DOUXO S3 PYO Shampoo

Top Tip: The most appropriate shampoo depends on the underlying diagnosis. Bacterial, fungal and mixed infections often require different treatment approaches, so always follow your veterinary surgeon's recommendation.

Restoring and Protecting the Skin

Treatment goal

Damaged skin loses moisture more quickly than healthy skin and may become dry, cracked, itchy and uncomfortable. Moisturising shampoos and creams support skin repair, restore comfort, and encourage a healthy skin barrier throughout the healing process.

DOUXO® S3 CALM Shampoo

Active ingredient: Ophytrium.

Once excessive crusting and infection have been brought under control, DOUXO® S3 CALM is a gentle moisturising shampoo for skin that remains dry, itchy or sensitive. It is ideal for use between medicated shampoo treatments, or whenever a soothing shampoo is needed to support the skin barrier and improve comfort. Applying a leave-on moisturiser or barrier cream afterwards helps maintain hydration and protect the healing skin.

View DOUXO S3 CALM Shampoo

Filtabac Cream

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol.

Filtabac is one of our go-to creams for many alpaca skin conditions. It combines antibacterial activity, sun protection and skin barrier support in a single product. Unlike many thicker barrier creams, it is water-soluble, making it much easier to remove before the next treatment while still remaining on the skin long enough to provide lasting protection and comfort between applications.

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Sudocrem

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide.

Sudocrem has earned a permanent place in our skin treatment box. It forms a thick, protective barrier that stays where you put it, making it ideal for minor scuffs, scrapes and between treatments. It typically stays on for a couple of days but isn't water-soluble, so it does need bathing off with warm, dilute Hibiwash before applying the next product.

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Other Suitable Creams

Not every alpaca needs specialist veterinary skin products throughout treatment. These widely available creams can help maintain skin hydration and comfort once the underlying problem is under control.

Aveeno Cream

Active ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal.

Aveeno provides a simple way to keep dry, sensitive skin well moisturised. It is one of the products we reach for when ongoing skin hydration is needed but a heavier barrier cream is unnecessary.

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E45 Cream

Active ingredients: White soft paraffin, light liquid paraffin and lanolin.

E45 is inexpensive, widely available and often already in your home. It's non-greasy and provides a straightforward way to moisturise dry skin and reduce moisture loss during the healing process.

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Udder Creams

Active ingredients: Emollients and moisturising oils (formulations vary between manufacturers).

Udder cream has been around for years. We like Battles Udder Cream because it's a simple, reliable, no-nonsense moisturiser that keeps skin soft, comfortable and well moisturised – and it's made in England.

View Udder Cream

Top Tip: Expensive products are not always necessary. The best moisturiser is one that keeps the skin comfortable, is well tolerated by your alpaca and can be used consistently as part of the treatment plan.

Protecting Healing Skin

Treatment goal

Once the skin has been cleaned and moisturised, protecting it from further damage is the next stage of treatment. Barrier creams help shield healing skin from flies, mud, moisture, friction and UV light while it continues to repair. They work best when applied as the final stage of treatment over clean, moisturised skin. Barrier creams can also protect minor wounds, abrasions and cracked skin from further contamination and irritation while they repair.

Filtabac Cream

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and benzyl alcohol.

Filtabac is one of our go-to barrier creams for healing skin. It combines antibacterial activity, sun protection and skin barrier support in a single product. Unlike many thicker barrier creams, it is water-soluble, making it much easier to remove before the next treatment while still providing lasting protection and comfort between applications. We use it between shampoo treatments while the skin continues to recover. It is particularly useful on pale or heavily clipped areas exposed to strong sunshine, helping protect vulnerable healing skin while the fleece regrows.

View Filtabac Cream

Sudocrem

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide.

Sudocrem has been in our skin treatment box for two decades. It forms a thick, protective barrier that stays where you put it, making it ideal for minor scuffs and scrapes after a good cleanse with Hibiwash or a medicated shampoo. It isn't water-soluble so if using it between treatments, it does need bathing off with warm, dilute Hibiwash before applying the next product.

View Sudocrem

Battles Summer Fly Cream

Active ingredients: DEET (4.9%), PCMC (0.5%) and lanolin.

Battles Summer Fly Cream adds a thick, visible layer of protection to repairing skin during fly season. Its insect repellent and antibacterial ingredients help keep flies away. The bright yellow cream makes it easy to see exactly where it has been applied, although it will stain skin and clothing, so disposable gloves are best worn during application.

View Battles Summer Fly Cream

Top Tip: Barrier creams should be applied as the final stage of treatment, over clean, moisturised skin. They help protect healing skin rather than replace appropriate cleansing and moisturising.

Supporting Healthy Skin During Fibre Regrowth

Treatment goal

Once the underlying skin disease has been brought under control and the skin has started to recover, attention often turns to fibre regrowth. Although no product can restore permanently damaged hair follicles, maintaining healthy skin and preventing further irritation gives new fibre the best opportunity to grow normally.

Continue checking previously affected areas regularly, particularly during periods of warm, wet weather or increased midge activity. Early recurrence is usually much easier to manage than advanced skin disease.

Nettex Summer Freedom Salve Complete

(formerly Nettex Itch Stop Salve)

Active ingredients: DEET (2.45%), margosa (neem) extract (2%) and eucalyptus citriodora (0.64%).

We use Nettex Summer Freedom Salve Complete once the skin surface has been restored and inflammation has settled. As most alpaca skin conditions occur during the warmer months, it's a good choice from early spring until late autumn while biting insects are active. Its insect-repellent ingredients help reduce irritation from midges, making it particularly useful on ears and armpits where bald patches are common and persistent. By helping protect recovering skin from repeated trauma during periods of midge activity, it gives new fibre the best opportunity to regrow. It's readily available, smells amazing and a little goes a very long way, so one pot lasts surprisingly well.

View Nettex Summer Freedom Salve Complete

Supporting Equipment

Treatment goal

Having the right equipment makes skin treatments quicker, cleaner and more effective. Many of these items are inexpensive but can make a significant difference to both treatment success and your alpaca's experience.

Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves help maintain good hygiene, protect your hands and reduce the risk of transferring infection between affected areas or between alpacas.

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Exfoliating Gloves

An exfoliating mitt helps gently loosen softened crusts and remove loose debris without excessive scrubbing. Always work gently and stop if your alpaca becomes uncomfortable.

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Sponges

Soft sponges are ideal for soaking affected areas with warm water before applying shampoos or creams. Use a fresh sponge for each alpaca and rinse it thoroughly between products during treatment.

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Cotton Wool Roll

Cotton wool is ideal for applying diluted antiseptic solutions such as chlorhexidine to small or sensitive areas, particularly around the face or lower limbs.

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Measuring Jugs

A measuring jug makes it easy to dilute shampoos and antiseptics accurately, ensuring products are used at the correct concentration. We like to have a couple to hand for rinsing with warm water.

View Plastic Measuring Jugs

Bucket

Keep a dedicated bucket for skin treatments to avoid cross-contamination and make preparation quicker. We choose a colour not normally used on farm for this.

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Spray Bottle

Spray bottles make it easy to rinse small areas, dampen crusts or apply warm water during treatment. We prefer pump spray bottles which are quieter for the alpaca and easier on the hand.

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Drying Towels

If you would like to have dedicated towels for your alpacas, then large dog drying towels are soft and very absorbent, ideal for drying treated areas where the product instructions allow. They help keep your alpaca warm and comfortable after bathing and are quick drying in between treatments.

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Top Tip: Keep all your skin treatment products together in a dedicated storage box. Having everything ready before you fetch your alpaca makes treatment quicker, calmer and much less stressful for both of you.

The following items are also worth having with your alpaca skin care kit to help treatments run smoothly and make each session quicker, easier and less stressful for both you and your alpaca.

Hay (helps keeps them occupied and relaxed)
Treats (positive reinforcement)
Camera or phone (progress photos)
Notebook or treatment record

When to Contact Your Veterinary Surgeon

Most skin conditions improve over time following a veterinary diagnosis, together with dedicated treatment, consistency and patience from the owner. If you are worried about your alpaca at any stage, or something doesn't seem quite right, contact your veterinary surgeon for advice. Keeping them updated on your alpaca's progress helps ensure the treatment plan continues to meet your alpaca's recovery needs. Your veterinary surgeon may need to reassess your alpaca or make changes to the treatment plan.

Treatment goal

Most skin conditions improve gradually with an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and patience. However, some situations require further veterinary assessment or a change to the treatment plan.

Contact your veterinary surgeon if:

Your alpaca becomes unwell, stops eating or loses weight.
The affected areas continue to spread or new lesions develop.
The skin becomes increasingly painful, swollen or starts to ooze.
There is little or no improvement despite following the treatment plan.
Your alpaca becomes increasingly itchy or uncomfortable.
You notice maggots or suspect flystrike.
The eyes, eyelids or other sensitive areas become affected.
You are unsure whether treatment is working or how to continue.

References

This guide has been prepared using a combination of established veterinary reference texts, published scientific literature and our own practical experience managing alpaca skin disease.

Key Veterinary References

Cebra, C.K. & Anderson, D.E. (2018). Llama and Alpaca Care: Medicine, Surgery, Reproduction, Nutrition and Herd Health. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Fowler, M.E. (2010). Medicine and Surgery of Camelids. 3rd ed. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Selected References

Faraz, A., Rashid, S., Ashraf, R., Javed, A. & Zia, D. (2022). Disorders of Skin in New World Camelids. International Journal of Camel Science, 4, 108–113.

Sala, G., Gazzonis, A.L., Pravettoni, D., Cafiso, A., Grilli, G., Ferrulli, V., Boccardo, A., Di Cesare, F., Pavesi, L.F. & Zanzani, S.A. (2024). Effective treatment of sarcoptic mange in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) using fluralaner: a case report. Veterinary Research Communications, 48(3), 1837–1843. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10316-0

Zanolari, P., Meylan, M. & Roosje, P. (2008). Dermatology in New World Camelids. Part 1: Propaedeutic and dermatological diagnostics. Tierärztliche Praxis Großtiere/Nutztiere, 36(5), 304–308.

Zanolari, P., Meylan, M., Sager, H., Herrli-Gygi, M., Rüfenacht, S. & Roosje, P. (2008). Dermatology in South American Camelids. Part 2: Review of the most relevant skin diseases. Tierärztliche Praxis Großtiere/Nutztiere, 36(6), 421–427.

About the Author

I'm Helen Macdonald, a Registered Veterinary Nurse and alpaca breeder with more than 20 years' experience caring for alpacas. Through Alpaca Power, I provide practical owner education and training based on more than 20 years of managing our own biosecure alpaca herd, together with over three decades of veterinary nursing experience, including additional training in dermatology. I also offer alpaca training as an independent trainer and am a BAS Affiliate Trainer.

This guide has been written to help owners better understand common alpaca skin conditions and work alongside their veterinary surgeon to achieve the best possible outcome for their animals. It is intended to support, not replace, veterinary advice.

Product recommendations are based on my professional training and our own practical experience of managing alpaca skin disease, supported by published evidence where available. Where published evidence in alpacas is absent or limited, this has been clearly stated.

Further Resources

Looking after alpaca skin health involves much more than treating individual skin conditions. The following guides provide additional practical advice to help prevent problems, improve biosecurity and support your alpacas throughout the year.

Fly Control– Preventing flystrike, reducing midge exposure and seasonal fly management.
Recommended Products – The products we use and recommend for alpaca health and husbandry.
Biosecurity – Practical steps to reduce the risk of introducing disease onto your farm.
Buyer Resources – Essential information for new and prospective alpaca owners.
Alpaca Knowledge Centre – Browse our growing library of practical, evidence-based alpaca health and management guides.

Alpaca Knowledge Centre