Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder than can affect both cats and dogs. Just as in humans, the condition is not considered serious and usually improves over time.
Causes of Acne
Acne is caused by a buildup of skin debris and sebum, an oil secreted from the sebaceous glands. This leads to clogging of the hair follicles which can result in inflammation and infection.
Pets with acne develop lesions on the skin such as papules (hard, raised swellings), pustules (pus-filled swellings) and blackheads. Large pimples known as sebaceous cysts can also form on your pet’s skin. Rick factors for acne in pets include genetic predisposition, allergies, trauma to the skin, preexisting health conditions, and secondary bacterial infection.
Symptoms of Acne
Acne commonly occurs around a pet’s chin and lips, but other areas of the body can also be affected. Please visit your veterinarian if your pet displays any of the following common symptoms of acne.
- Blackheads
- Papules (hard, raised swellings)
- Pustules (pus-filled swellings)
- Redness and inflammation
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Lesions
- Scarring
- Bleeding
Diagnosis of Acne
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your pet to evaluate their symptoms. This will usually be sufficient to reach a conclusive diagnosis of acne.
Additional diagnostic tests such as skin biopsies, blood tests, skin scrapings, and bacterial or fungal cultures may also be used to determine the underlying cause of your pet’s condition. Fine-needle aspiration or biopsies of sebaceous cysts may be recommended to rule out malignancy.
Treatment of Acne
Topical medications are usually prescribed for the treatment of mild acne. These may include medicated shampoos, creams, or gels. Benzoyl peroxide is a common medication used to treat mild to moderate acne in pets. It works by reducing bacteria on the surface of the skin and minimizing oiliness.
Topical medications may be combined with oral medications such as antibiotics or anti-fungal drugs to treat the underlying cause of acne. Steroids or other medications may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain associated with your pet’s symptoms. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s treatment advice closely and administer all medications as instructed.
Prevention of Acne
Good hygiene and grooming habits can reduce the risk of skin irritation and inflammation. Make sure to keep your pet’s face clean and dry whenever possible, and clean skin folds to prevent the buildup of sebum and skin debris.
It’s also important to feed your pet a healthy, nutritious diet to support their immune system and minimize the risk of infection. Please consult with your veterinarian if your pet displays symptoms of acne. Always avoid squeezing pimples or other lesions as this can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.
