Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
The onset of puberty does not trigger acne in cats, as it does in
humans, and cats do not grow out of acne. Acne is actually more com-
mon in older cats, most likely due to decreased grooming activity—the
chin is one of the areas a cat can have difficulty cleaning. Acne can
occur as a one-time episode, or it can be chronic and recurrent. It is not
contagious to other cats or to humans.
A topical reaction to plastic food and water bowls has been impli-
cated as a cause of feline acne. Changing to glass, ceramic or stainless
steel bowls helps in some cases. Food oil residues that build up on food
and water bowl edges can also contribute to acne. If the animal's chin
comes in continual contact with the dirty bowl, it makes sense that oily
buildup could clog the pores. Properly washing and drying your cat's
dishes every day will help in many cases.
Some cats immerse their chins in their food when they eat. I have
had owners inform me that simply serving their cat's food on dispos-
able paper plates has cured the acne.
In mild cases of acne, cleaning the animal's chin daily with hydro-
gen peroxide is helpful. It will open up the pores, remove the black-
heads and clean out oils from the hair follicles.When more pronounced
inflammation and infection are present, clipping the hair and a veteri-
nary benzoyl peroxide scrub or cream is recommended. Oral antibiotics
may be needed for 10 to 30 days.
Mucopurin (the brand name is Bactoderm) is a product that is use-
ful in some cases of feline acne. It is not currently approved for use in
cats, but it is an accepted treatment. Each patient responds differently to
topical treatments. In some cases, the treatment can cause severe dryness
and irritation, and should be discontinued.
Corticosteroids are useful in relieving inflammation and decreasing
fatty secretions in the skin in some cases of acne, but if deep infection
is present, corticosteroids can exacerbate the infection. In more
advanced cases, vitamin A treatment may be necessary.Topical and oral
preparations of vitamin A are available, but side effects are possible.
RINGWORM IS NOT A WORM
Ringworm is actually a fungal infection and has nothing to do with
worms. The groups of fungi capable of causing ringworm are called
dermatophytes.
Microsporum canis,
or
M. canis
for short, causes the most
common type of feline ringworm. Fungal spores in the environment
that land on and grow on the skin transmit the fungus. Typically, cats
with ringworm are itchy and have red, scaly patches on their skin, along
with areas of hair loss.
