The specific causes of feline acne are not known. Cats with weakened immune systems are more susceptible, but otherwise healthy male and female cats of all ages may be affected.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of the disease, including poor grooming habits, abnormal sebum production, and stress.
Lesions vary in severity, but are typically mild. Itching and pain are uncommon unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present. Lesions usually initially present at about one year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat. Pain and/or itching are not common unless there is a secondary bacterial skin infection.
Treatment may or may not be required. Your veterinarian will have to make this determination depending upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist.
Signs and symptoms of feline acne -- Clinical signs may include lesions on the chin and lower lip. There may be swelling of the chin and around the lips. Your cat may have crusted reddish papules or dark brown comedones.
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.
It's possible to mistake bacterial skin infections for acne, but appearances may be deceiving. Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections may be mistaken for acne as well.
Feline acne treatment -- Treatment is often not necessary, except in more serious cases. In fact, it's believed that overtreatment may increase the severity of the skin lesions.
Your veterinarian may recommend topical therapy of some kind to help remove the comedones (blackheads). Depending upon the severity, more aggressive treatment may be recommended.
In order to facilitate cleaning of the affected area, as well as the application of topical medications, your vet may remove excess skin from the area around the lesions. You should never attempt this yourself as you can hurt your cat or cause an infection.
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.
Topical benzoyl peroxide solutions are often used as a treatment in gel or shampoo form, and may be effective. You should note, however, that benzoyl peroxide preparations made for small animals are 2.5 percent, and those for humans are 5 percent.
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.
In cases where patients are immune compromised, such as feline AIDS patients, treatment may include steroid therapy. Additional supplements may be used as well, including off-label drugs.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of the disease, including poor grooming habits, abnormal sebum production, and stress.
Lesions vary in severity, but are typically mild. Itching and pain are uncommon unless there is a secondary bacterial infection present. Lesions usually initially present at about one year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat. Pain and/or itching are not common unless there is a secondary bacterial skin infection.
Treatment may or may not be required. Your veterinarian will have to make this determination depending upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist.
Signs and symptoms of feline acne -- Clinical signs may include lesions on the chin and lower lip. There may be swelling of the chin and around the lips. Your cat may have crusted reddish papules or dark brown comedones.
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.
It's possible to mistake bacterial skin infections for acne, but appearances may be deceiving. Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections may be mistaken for acne as well.
Feline acne treatment -- Treatment is often not necessary, except in more serious cases. In fact, it's believed that overtreatment may increase the severity of the skin lesions.
Your veterinarian may recommend topical therapy of some kind to help remove the comedones (blackheads). Depending upon the severity, more aggressive treatment may be recommended.
In order to facilitate cleaning of the affected area, as well as the application of topical medications, your vet may remove excess skin from the area around the lesions. You should never attempt this yourself as you can hurt your cat or cause an infection.
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.
Topical benzoyl peroxide solutions are often used as a treatment in gel or shampoo form, and may be effective. You should note, however, that benzoyl peroxide preparations made for small animals are 2.5 percent, and those for humans are 5 percent.
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.
In cases where patients are immune compromised, such as feline AIDS patients, treatment may include steroid therapy. Additional supplements may be used as well, including off-label drugs.
About the Author:
Kurt Schmitt has created an online resource including information on acne in cats and feline acne treatment
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