Feline acne
Feline acne | |
---|---|
Advanced feline acne | |
Specialty | Veterinary medicine |
Feline acne is a problem seen in
Other conditions that can cause similar-appearing conditions include skin mites, ringworm, yeast infection, or autoimmune diseases such as eosinophilic granuloma complex ("rodent ulcers"). These can be ruled out by a simple biopsy of affected cells.[citation needed]
Feline acne is one of the top five most common skin conditions that veterinarians treat.[5][6]
Causes
Although the exact cause of feline acne is unknown, some causes include:
- Hyperactive sebaceous glands
- Poor hygiene
- Stress
- Developing secondary to fungal, viral, and bacterial infections
- Reaction to medication
- Eating or drinking from plastic containers. While it has commonly been suggested that cats are "allergic" to these containers, recent research suggests that plastic containers harbour bacteria due to irregular surfaces.
- Demodicosis or mange, causing itchiness and hair loss
- Suppressed immune system
- Hair follicles that don't function properly
- Rubbing the chin (to display affection or mark territory) on non-sanitized household items
- Hormonal imbalance
Obese cats which have difficulty grooming themselves are predisposed to dry, flaky skin and feline acne.[7]
Treatment
Topical treatments such as
Clearing the acne can be accomplished using an extra-soft bristled toothbrush or flea comb (one designated for this purpose) to brush the cat's chin. This will loosen debris and remove dried scabs. Epsom-salt compresses applied twice daily dry the affected area to relieve the inflammation and itchiness.[5]
Prevention
Placing the cat's water in a shallow dish may prevent the chin from absorbing the bacteria in the water while the cat is drinking. If the cat is allergic to plastics or dyes, using a stainless-steel or glass dish is recommended .[4] Cats may also have food allergies that make the development of acne more likely, so that switching kibble, or changing to a hydrolysed diet may be effective.[9] Maintaining good hygiene and grooming habits make the development of feline acne less likely. Washing and exfoliating the chin with a gentle benzoyl-peroxide solution also may be preventive of further outbreaks.[5]
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-632-06452-6.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7216-7618-0.
- ^ Jazic, E.; Coyner, K. S.; Loeffler, D. G.; Lewis, T. P. (2005). "An Evaluation of the clinical, cytological, infectious and histopathological features of feline acne". European Society of Veterinary Dermatology. pp. 134–140.
- ^ a b Foster; Smith. "Feline Acne: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Chin 'Blackheads' in Cats". peteducation.com.
- ^ a b c d Moore, Arden (2002). "Cats Can Get Acne Too". Prevention. pp. 170–174.
- ^ a b Scott, D. W.; Miller, W. H.; Erb, H. N. (2012). "Feline dermatology at Cornell University: 1407 cases (1988-2003)". Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. pp. 307–316.
- ISBN 9781560534617.
- ISBN 978-0-7817-6268-7.
- ^ "Cat Acne? It's Real—and Here's How You Can Treat It". PETA. 2018-08-24. Retrieved 2021-05-01.