Everything You Need to Know About Feline Acne

Humans are not the only ones affected by acne. Believe it or not, even cats are also inflicted by this dreadful skin disorder. The presence of comedones and clogging of hair follicles which is usually evident at the chin, tail, lips, eyelids and scrotum of the cat is called Feline acne. Swelling and bacterial growth within the affected area often cause discomfort and itching. Generally, the formation of comedones can lead to the development of pus-filled abscess which can burst anytime thus forming crusts. Moreover, it is commonly accompanied by bacterial infection which even worsens the condition.

Up to this day, the real cause of kitty acne is still unknown although numerous factors have been directly associated with its development. Some of the known contributing factors to kitty acne include hyperactivity of the sebaceous glands, lack of good grooming habits, food allergies, stress and eating in plastic bowls. It is said that plastic food bowls greatly influence the formation of acne in cats as bacteria easily lodge into its crevices. This explains why acne-like blisters usually present itself at the chin of the cat. It is because the cat's chin always has a direct contact with the plastic food bowl allowing easy transmission of bacteria.

Common symptoms of acne in cats can just pass unnoticed. Presence of dirt-like black spots under the chin and some parts of the lips are often noted. If infection is already present, development of swollen red pustules and bleeding may be evident. It can affect all types of cat breeds regardless of sex and age. In severe cases, swelling of the cat's chin is also noticed due to the presence of papules, pustules and eruption of pus-filled blisters.

Diagnosis of acne in cats is usually done through skin scrapings. Getting skin samples from cats will aid to point out the cause of the problem. A skin biopsy on the other hand is used to rule out similar skin conditions affecting cats which include yeast infections, allergies, ringworms and dermodicosis. A procedure called culture and sensitivity may also be performed if the veterinarian suspects the presence of bacterial infection.

Antibacterial surgical scrub like chlorhexidine is commonly used to treat feline acne. The veterinarian initially advises to use it two or three times daily. Early diagnosis will greatly help to cure it since severe forms of acne in cats do not effectively respond to treatments. Topical antibiotics are not usually prescribed because cats have a tendency to lick it off which defeats its purpose. Steroid may be given to reduce inflammation. Topical retinoids are the treatment of choice for controlling milder cases. Response to the treatment varies depending on the severity of the cat's acne problem.

As they say prevention is always better than cure. That been said, using ceramic or metal feeding containers over plastic food bowls can help to lessen or eradicate the problem. Good hygiene must also be properly administered especially after feedings. Regular cleaning of food containers will absolutely reduce bacterial formation.

BIO
Edwin Sproat Jr is ardently devoted to obtaining optimal health. For more great free acne tips visit http://proactivacnesolutionreviews.com/about/
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