This article will tell you about cat acne, also known as cat chin acne, folliculitis or pityriasis. To provide you with a simple, clear explanation of feline acne!

What is feline acne?

Feline acne is not different from human acne in some ways, but there are also differences. Acne, in cats as in humans, is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These clogged pores appear as blackheads and pimples in humans, and persistent infection of clogged hair follicles can lead to acne. In humans, acne is most common in adolescents and is affected by hormonal changes, particularly increases in androgens. In cats, this condition can be seen in cats of any age.

How common is feline acne?

Mild feline acne is a very common, low-grade sign that may not even be noticed. Advanced, severe feline acne is less common and it can be difficult to resolve.

Why do cats get acne?

Feline acne is related to a special type of glands in the skin called sebaceous glands. Most sebaceous glands attach to hair follicles and produce an oily secretion that coats the hair, making it shiny, waterproof, and flexible. In addition to these hair-based sebaceous glands, there are also separate larger sebaceous glands on the chin, lips, base of the tail, and other places. These larger glands have specific names and specific functions: they play an important role in scent marking, an important social behavior in cats.

This is why cats rub themselves against people and objects in the home, pressing down on their chins, lips, head and base of their tails, marking these areas with scented secretions. The sebaceous glands under the chin are called the "submental organs." This is the area most affected by cat acne. The sebaceous glands at the base of the tail are called the "supracaudal organs." When this area is affected by acne-like changes, the resulting skin condition is called "whorltail." Feline acne begins when the sebaceous glands on the chin and surrounding hair contact the sebaceous glands become overactive, causing excessive secretion, which appears as yellow or brown accumulation in this area of ​​the fur.

The openings of the glands become clogged with this thick secretion, which, combined with excess keratin, forms comedones (also known as "blackheads"). A bacterial infection that blocks the gland ensues, causing pustules and abscesses, as well as general inflammation of the hair follicles and surrounding skin (folliculitis) and pyoderma.

Symptoms of cat acne

Early signs of feline acne include excessively oily and discolored skin areas on the chin and lips. Pimples and whiteheads can be seen. As the condition progresses, bacterial infections of hair follicles and sebaceous glands can lead to folliculitis and pyoderma, in which the skin becomes red, sore, swollen, and may ooze pus. The affected area is painful and may be itchy, and the cat may scratch its chin and lips repeatedly. Hair loss is common, and the surface of the affected area is hairless, shiny, and red. The accumulation of discharge can lead to a buildup of dry, crusty, scab-like debris. Improper grooming can aggravate the condition due to the accumulation of excrement in the hair.

Causes of cat acne

The cause of feline acne is not known, but factors that may play a role include:

Hypersecretion of sebaceous glands

Genetics: This problem is more common in some breeds of cats, such as Persians

Some cases are suspected to be caused by viruses

Allergies to certain items, such as plastic food and water bowls

Irritant substances in the environment may play a role

Food allergies sometimes come into play

Caused by autoimmune diseases

Ringea (fungal infection) may underlie some cases

Skin parasites (such as the Demodex mite that causes scabies) may sometimes be involved

Diagnosis of cat acne

If you suspect your cat may have feline acne, you can take the following steps:

1. Detailed historical records

Tell your veterinarian about all aspects of your cat's life and care. There are signs of other causes of the same type of cat acne, and this history will help distinguish the various possible causes.

2. Physical examination

The veterinarian will examine the cat carefully, noting any signs of other illnesses and looking for other conditions that may be related to skin disease.

3. Skin test

A skin cytology test allows your veterinarian to examine the cells on your skin under a microscope. Excess bacteria or yeast may be found.

Skin scrapings can be used to look for parasites such as Demodex mites under a microscope

Fungal culture: may be performed on affected skin samples to rule out ringworm

When a cat requires specific antibiotics to resolve a deep infection, cultures of antibiotic-sensitive bacteria may be performed

A skin biopsy may be done so that a histopathologist can examine changes in the skin under a microscope: this is how to confirm the diagnosis, but it is not always needed.

4. Other tests

It is likely that your veterinarian will also perform other blood tests, including the usualDiagnostic testing, such as hematology and biochemical analysis, to confirm there are no other underlying causes of your cat's acne.

X-rays may rarely be used to check for underlying bone or dental disease that may cause inflammation in the jaw and lip areas. Your veterinarian will advise you whether this type of detailed investigation is necessary.

In very severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend referral to a veterinary dermatologist.

How much does it cost to treat cat acne?

It is impossible to estimate the cost of treating feline acne because there is a wide range of problems of varying severity. Mild cases may require minimal intervention, while severe cases may require investigation and treatment lasting several months. You should ask your veterinarian for a detailed estimate before agreeing to continue treatment.

Cat Acne Treatment

The level of treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Broadly speaking, there are two treatments:

Local treatment

Mild cases may respond to simple topical treatments, similar to human acne treatments, including antibacterial and cleanser shampoos, which may contain chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and/or ethyl lactate of shampoo or wipes. A special antibacterial ointment, Mupirocin 2%, is sometimes used twice daily.

If there is an accumulation of feces, you can use a wad of cotton wool or a clean towel to wash the affected area with warm water or a warm solution of Epsom salt solution. Soothing products such as aloe vera may be helpful, and others such as witch hazel have been suggested, but it is important to note that they will not worsen irritation. It is also best to replace the plastic bowl with a ceramic or stainless steel bowl.

Systemic treatment:

If a skin test shows a severe bacterial infection, systemic antibiotics may be recommended, preferably based on the results of an antibiotic susceptibility test. In cases of severe redness and inflammation, your veterinarian may recommend a steroid hormone, such as prednisolone, to suppress an overreactive immune system. Nutritional supplements such as essential fatty acids are useful for many skin problems as they are to optimize general skin health.

Isotretinoin, also known as 13-cis retinoic acid, is used to treat acne in humans and is sometimes recommended for very severe feline acne that does not respond to standard treatments. However, this is a powerful drug with potentially very serious side effects, so this should only be taken under direct veterinary supervision. This product is not licensed and its positive effect on the disease has not been proven.

Monitoring and Prognosis

The progression of chin acne can be easily assessed by visual inspection of the affected areas of skin. Generally good after cure, most cases treatedThe response was good. A low-grade, ongoing problem is common and often requires maintenance treatment.

Conclusion

Feline acne is a common skin condition affecting the chin and lips of cats. The problem is similar to acne in humans, and while there are some similarities in causes and treatments, there are also many differences. A simple home treatment regimen, including shampooing and cleaning, may sometimes be enough to control the disease, but veterinarian involvement is important in severe cases.