Symptoms and Treatment of Feline Acne

Male and female cats of all ages are susceptible to feline acne. Cats with weakened immune systems are more prone, but otherwise healthy cats may get the disease as well. The specific causes of the disease are not known.

Contributing factors in the development of the disease include stress, poor grooming habits, and abnormal sebum production.

Lesions usually initially present at about 1 year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat. Lesions are typically mild, but secondary bacterial skin infections may cause pain or itching.

Your veterinarian will determine whether or not treatment is required. This will depend upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist.

Feline acne symptoms and signs -- Acne in cats may include lesions on the chin and lower lip, as well as swelling of the chin and around the mouth. Your cat may display dark brown comedones or crusted reddish papules.

Secondary bacterial infections may be present, and you may see swelling or drainage of the lesions. In these cases, both topical and oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

Sometimes, bacterial skin infections may appear to be acne, but are not. Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections may be mistaken for acne as well.

Feline acne treatment -- Treatment is often not necessary, except in more serious cases. In fact, it's believed that overtreatment may increase the severity of the skin lesions.

Your veterinarian may recommend topical therapy of some kind to help remove the comedones (blackheads). Depending upon the severity, more aggressive treatment may be recommended.

Your vet may remove excess skin from the lesion area. This facilitates cleaning of the area, as well as the application of topical medications. You should never do this yourself as you can hurt your cat or cause an infection.

Antiseptics may be used, such as Listerine or alcohol, as well as antiseborrheic shampoos. Some of these contain a common component of human acne treatment formulas, salicylic acid.

Topical benzoyl peroxide solutions are often used as a treatment in gel or shampoo form, and may be effective. You should note, however, that benzoyl peroxide preparations made for small animals are 2.5 percent, and those for humans are 5 percent.

You should know that even the milder animal formula benzoyl peroxide treatments may be irritating to your cat's skin when used over time. In any case, never use a preparation made for humans on your cat unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.

Immune compromised cats, such as those suffering from feline AIDS may receive steroid therapy treatment for feline acne. Additional supplements may be used as well, including off-label drugs.

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Author Kurt Schmitt has created an online resource including information on cat health problems and feline acne symptoms

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