Feline acne
Encyclopedia
Feline acne is a problem seen in cats primarily involving the formation of blackhead
s accompanied by inflammation on the cat's chin and surrounding areas. In many cases symptoms are mild and the disease does not require treatment. More severe cases, however, may respond slowly to treatment and seriously detract from the health and appearance of the cat. Feline acne
can affect cats of any age, sex or breed.
Sebaceous glands are mostly found in the skin of the chin, base of the tail, eyelids, lips, prepuce
and scrotum. They are connected to the hair follicle
s. In acne, the follicles become clogged with black sebaceous material, forming comedones (also known as blackheads). These comedones can become irritated, swollen and infected, leading to pustules. The cats may experience itching and discomfort due to swelling and bacterial growth inside infected glands. Secondary fungal infections (species Malassezia) may also occur.
Other conditions that can cause similar-appearing conditions include skin mites, ringworm, yeast infection, or auto-immune diseases such as eosinophilic granuloma complex ("rodent ulcers").
may be required for treatment if the area becomes secondarily infected with either bacteria or a fungus. Treatment may begin with clinical drainage of the pustules along with a course of oral antibiotics.
Blackhead
A blackhead is a yellow or blackish bump or plug on the skin. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris. Contrary to the common belief that it is caused by poor hygiene, blackheads are caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct...
s accompanied by inflammation on the cat's chin and surrounding areas. In many cases symptoms are mild and the disease does not require treatment. More severe cases, however, may respond slowly to treatment and seriously detract from the health and appearance of the cat. Feline acne
Acne
Acne is a general term used for acneiform eruptions. It is usually used as a synonym for acne vulgaris, but may also refer to:*Acne aestivalis*Acne conglobata*Acne cosmetica*Acne fulminans*Acne keloidalis nuchae*Acne mechanica...
can affect cats of any age, sex or breed.
Sebaceous glands are mostly found in the skin of the chin, base of the tail, eyelids, lips, prepuce
Prepuce
Prepuce may refer to:* The foreskin, which surrounds and protects the head of the penis* The clitoral hood, which surrounds and protects the head of the clitoris...
and scrotum. They are connected to the hair follicle
Hair follicle
A hair follicle is a skin organ that produces hair. Hair production occurs in phases, including a growth phase , and cessation phase , and a rest phase . Stem cells are principally responsible for the production of hair....
s. In acne, the follicles become clogged with black sebaceous material, forming comedones (also known as blackheads). These comedones can become irritated, swollen and infected, leading to pustules. The cats may experience itching and discomfort due to swelling and bacterial growth inside infected glands. Secondary fungal infections (species Malassezia) may also occur.
Other conditions that can cause similar-appearing conditions include skin mites, ringworm, yeast infection, or auto-immune diseases such as eosinophilic granuloma complex ("rodent ulcers").
Causes
The main causes of feline acne include:- Hyperactive sebaceous glands
- age of cat - it is common due to hormones in cats between 2-4 years old
- Poor hygiene
- Stress
- Secondary to fungal infection
- Reactions to medicines
- DemodicosisDemodicosisDemodicosis, also called demodectic mange or red mange, is caused by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of Demodex canis as the animal's immune system is unable to keep the mites under control....
Treatment
Topical treatments such as warm compresses to the chin area may be sufficient for mild cases. A veterinarianVeterinarian
A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon , is a professional who treats disease, disorder and injury in animals....
may be required for treatment if the area becomes secondarily infected with either bacteria or a fungus. Treatment may begin with clinical drainage of the pustules along with a course of oral antibiotics.