Acne

We usually think of acne as an awkward teenage problem, but acne is also common in cats of all ages. While canine acne is only common in young puppies, feline acne often becomes a chronic problem and tends to reoccur throughout the cat’s life.

Clinical Signs:

• “Dark spots” on the chin start to appear.
• Asymptomatic comedones (blackheads) form on the chin, the lower lip, and occasionally the upper lip.
• Papules and pustules may develop as lesions become infected, as well as cellulites (inflammation of the tissue) and boils, though both of these are rare.
• Affected skin can become swollen, painful to the touch, thickened, cystic and scarred from the acne after time.

Treatment:

• Clip the hair around the lesions, and then apply warm water compresses to soften the area. Cleanse the affected areas using shampoos that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur-salicylic acid or ethyl lactate, which are helpful until lesions resolve. Repeat occasionally as needed for maintenance control. As little as twice a month will keep the problem at bay, but use as often as your cat needs.
• Health Guard Hand Cream has been found very effective topically against feline and canine acne.
• Secondary bacterial infections may need to be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Most cases will resolve with cleaning and topical treatment.

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of a qualified veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.

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