Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles which can lead to itchiness and skin irritation in pets. Deep folliculitis can occur when pets scratch or bite their skin, leading to infection in the deepest portion of the hair follicle. The condition can be caused by a number of underlying factors and is more common in dogs than cats.
Causes of Deep Folliculitis
The main cause of deep folliculitis is a bacterial infection. Usually, bacteria live on the surface of your pet’s skin without posing a risk to their health. However, certain conditions can lead to bacterial overgrowth and infection of hair follicles.
Pets with a compromised immune system are most at risk of developing deep folliculitis. Immune system imbalances can be caused by factors including allergies, long-term use of medications, and conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease. Other risk factors for deep folliculitis include fungal infection, parasites, and localized trauma to the skin.
Symptoms of Deep Folliculitis
Please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet displays any of the following common symptoms of deep folliculitis.
- Crusting or scaling of the skin
- Papules (hard, raised swellings)
- Pustules (pus-filled swellings)
- Pimples
- Itchiness
- Hair loss
- Lesions
Diagnosis of Deep Folliculitis
Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history and ask you some questions about the onset of symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of deep folliculitis.
Additional tests may also be performed to reach a conclusive diagnosis. These may include blood tests, skin scrapings to check for parasites, and microscopic examination of the affected tissue. Your veterinarian may also recommend other diagnostic tests including fungal or bacterial cultures.
Treatment of Deep Folliculitis
Treatment of deep folliculitis will focus on relieving the symptoms of the condition as well as addressing its underlying causes. Antimicrobial shampoos, topical treatments, or oral medications are often prescribed to treat deep folliculitis caused by a bacterial infection.
Antibiotics may also be used to prevent the spread of infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe drugs to reduce inflammation and treat underlying causes of deep folliculitis such as hormonal imbalances. Additionally, your pet may be required to wear an Elizabethan collar (cone) around their neck to prevent licking, scratching, or biting of affected areas during the healing process.
Prevention of Deep Folliculitis
It is important to work with your veterinarian to identify the cause of your pet’s condition and prevent it from recurring. Pet owners can minimize the risk of their pet developing deep folliculitis by providing plenty of exercises and feeding a nutritious diet to support immune health.
Good hygiene and grooming habits can also reduce the risk of skin irritation and inflammation. Finally, check your pet regularly for symptoms of deep folliculitis and schedule routine health checkups with your veterinarian.
