Feline Symptoms

Feline Acne - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Feline acne is a common problem seen in cats. It is found on the cat's chin & lips. It is generally accepted that this is caused by plastic bowls and for many cats the solution is simply substituting the plastic bowl for a stainless steel bowl or a glass bowl. The problem may be caused by the inability of the cat to clean his chin properly after drinking the milk resulting in a nutrient rich habitat for bacteria. Several factors appear to be associated with its development including stress, a suppressed immune system, poor grooming habits, the presence of other diseases, contact or atopic dermatitis, and skin conditions in which abnormal amounts of oils are produced.

Causes

The exact cause of feline acne is not known, but several factors appear to be associated with its development including stress, a suppressed immune system, poor grooming habits, the presence of other diseases, contact or atopic dermatitis, and skin conditions in which abnormal amounts of oils are produced and the hair follicles do not function properly.

Dirt - Cats generally have trouble grooming the chin area and because of this, dirt and oil tend to accumulate in this particular area of the face. The accumulation of bacteria causes hair follicles to be infected and eventually, acne breaks out.
Food Allergies - In spite of what you see in cartoons, cats do not possess the same diet that humans have. So don't feed your cat human food. It's important that you give your pet the food he truly needs.

Signs of Feline Acne:

Various signs of feline acne can be seen on the chin of the cat and they are:-
Hair loss, draining tracts and swelling develops on the chin in case of severe feline acne.
Multiple comedones develop on the lips and chin of the cats which looks like dirty. These comedones appear as small abscesses which remain open and form the crusts.
It can be itchy.
Secondary bacterial infections can develop.

Feline Acne Treatment:

Sometimes, supplementation with fatty acids is beneficial in this type of treatment. Retin-A can be used but it can be applied very rare as it can leads to irritation. Oral retinoid therapy and teratogenic can be given to treat the feline acne in cats. Any underlying conditions such as ringworm, a Demodex infestation, or a yeast infection should be treated appropriately.

Investigating the cause of the acne is also recommended. Acne can arise because of an allergic reaction to plastic food bowls, developing because of bacteria and dirt that can build up within scratches on the surface of the dish. Switching to ceramic, glass or stainless steel dishes may clear up acne for some cats, and washing the cat's dishes every day can keep them clean and safe to use. Persians and other cats with flat faces seem to be more prone to feline acne, and cleaning their chins after they eat may help prevent skin problems.

Back Acne Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Wash the back with an anti-bacterial cleanser formulated for the face.

2. Use a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatment for back acne.

3. Wear cotton clothing and use powder to keep your back dry.

4. Always wear clean clothes, bras and T-shirts when working out.