Feline Acne Treatment and Symptoms
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Feline acne may affect both male and female cats of all ages. The specific causes of the disease are not known. Cats with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.
Contributing factors in the development of the disease include stress, poor grooming habits, and abnormal sebum production.
In affected cats, lesions vary in severity, but are typically mild and asymptomatic. Pain and/or itching are not common unless there is a secondary bacterial skin infection. Lesions usually initially present at about 1 year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat.
Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist, treatment may or may not be required. Your veterinarian will have to make this determination.
Feline acne signs and symptoms — The clinical signs of acne in cats may include lesions on the lower lip and chin. Your cat may have dark brown comedones or crusted reddish papules. In addition, there may be swelling of the chin and around the lips.
In more serious cases, there may be a secondary bacterial infection present. Signs of this may include edema (swelling) of the chin area, or drainage of the lesions. In these cases, antibiotics, both systemic (taken internally) and topical, may be prescribed.
Sometimes, bacterial skin infections may appear to be acne, but are not. Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections may be mistaken for acne as well.
Treatment — Feline acne treatment, in mild cases, is often not necessary. In fact, overtreatment is believed to lead to more severe skin lesions.
Treatment may vary based on the severity of the case. Your veterinarian may recommend topical therapy of some kind to help remove the blackheads.
Excess skin may be removed from the lesion area to aid in cleaning, as well as the application of topical medications. In order to prevent infection and injury to your cat, only your veterinarian should perform this procedure.
Treatment may include the use of antiseptics, such as Listerine or alcohol. Antiseborrheic shampoos may help as well. Some of these contain salicylic acid, which is a common component of human acne treatment formulas.
It may be effective to use topical benzoyl peroxide solutions in gel or shampoo form. Benzoyl peroxide preparations made for small animals are half the strength of those made for humans.
Never use preparations designed for humans on your cat unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Even the animal formula benzoyl peroxide treatments may be irritating to your cat’s skin when used repeatedly.
Immune compromised cats, such as those suffering from feline AIDS may receive steroid therapy treatment for feline acne. Additional supplements may be used as well, including off-label drugs.
