Views: 3328 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-03-29 Origin: Site
Feline acne, one of the five most common skin conditions in cats, has been high on the list of catkeeper headaches.
The exact cause of Feline acne is not known, and prevention has to come together in many ways. However, treatment (or "control") is something that many parents can easily do at home.
Today we bring you treatments for each stage of Feline acne that can be done simply to keep your cat free of Feline acne.
The first step is to determine what stage Feline acne is in.
In this stage, cats only have clogged pores, similar to our human acne. We refer to this stage as the early stage of Feline acne.
Symptoms: Black/white acne on the chin, possibly accompanied by localized redness and hair loss.
As long as there are no pustules, redness, or pus, this is the first stage of Feline acne, regardless of whether the area is large or small.
(1) Medication and control method
At this stage, no medication is needed for the time being, and the main purpose is to clean and disinfect the affected area.
Clean the affected area with warm salt water
1. Boil the water and let it cool until it is slightly above the cat's body temperature (around 40°C, slightly hot to the touch).
To ensure that the water does not carry bacteria, a slightly higher temperature helps open the hair follicles.
2、 Add a little salt. Kill bacteria.
3、 Dip a cotton ball into it and squeeze out the excess water.
Reduce the residue of water on the cat's chin to prevent the growth of bacteria.
4、 Apply to the cat's chin two to three times a day. Until Feline acne improves.
Cleanse and reduce pressure on hair follicles
Disinfectant scrubbing
Recommend the use of medical chlorhexidine solution. (Chlorhexidine mouthwash concentration is too low, please use medical chlorhexidine disinfectant.)
Use a cotton swab dipped in chlorhexidine solution to scrub the cat's chin two to three times a day.
Chlorhexidine is not toxic or irritating to cats and can reduce bacterial growth around the hair follicles.
Removal of grease
Use products containing benzoyl peroxide (3% concentration or less) to help cleanse.
Specific categories include gel ointments, shampoos, lotions, etc. Use according to the appropriate instructions.
Benzoyl peroxide can help break down excess sebum, but may be irritating to individual cats.
Controversial methods
➤ Rubbing tea
Not recommended, effectiveness unknown.
➤ Rubbing apple cider vinegar
Not recommended; this method may be derived from the acid brushing method used to treat human acne, but this is not suitable for cats.
➤Aloe Vera
Not recommended, effect unknown, may also cause irritation.
➤Tea tree oil bath
Not recommended, effects unknown, and improper dilution can cause danger.
(2) Other care issues
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting the affected area, what else can we do?
Replace utensils
After the cat is found to have Feline acne, if the plastic utensils used are prone to scratching and grease accumulation, it is best to replace them with stainless steel ones.
For the utensils being used, they should be washed and dried daily before serving food to the cat.
Whether to change food
There is no evidence that "too oily" cat food can cause Feline acne, but many times a change of food does work.
Considering that feline acne in cats may be similar to human "acne", researchers speculate that it may be related to the high amount of carbohydrates in some cat foods.
If you have changed your cat's food before the onset of Feline acne, it is recommended that you switch back to the original food.
To shave or not to shave
Whether or not to shave the affected area is up to you. The purpose of shaving is mainly to help observe the affected area. If it is clear to see and easy to clean, it can be left unshaven.
If moderate Feline acne develops as follows, it is best to shave around the affected area.
In the second stage of Feline acne, the oil provides nutrients for the bacteria to proliferate, the immune system kicks in, and pustules, itching, and swelling appear.
Symptoms: redness, pustules, pimples, and frequent scratching by the cat.
If these symptoms have appeared on the cat's chin, you should take the cat to the hospital and let the doctor prescribe a little medicine to suppress the infection, which may include:
(1) Medication and control methods
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, kill bacteria and stop them from multiplying.
Topical ointments are usually used, but internal medication is also available for different symptoms. Clean the affected area with warm salt water before using the ointment, commonly used drugs are
Mupirocin: The most common brand is "Bactroban".
Fusidic acid: may have some irritation.
Other medications:
In addition to antibiotics, hormones, such as prednisolone, may be used to relieve edema and boils; vitamins, such as vitamin A, play an anti-keratinizing and anti-inflammatory role. Internal medications will be used in severe cases.
However, the exact medication to be used will be decided by the doctor depending on the different diseases.
(2) Other care issues
Course of disease and care
Usually this type of Feline acne will heal in about 3 weeks of medication, and when the acne, pimples, and dark keratinous debris have subsided, the cream can be stopped. However, it is still important to keep it disinfected and clean for 2 to 3 weeks.
Non-medicated prevention
In addition to this, you can give your master some Omega-3 supplement in Reduce inflammation, keratinization.
A very common skin problem in Feline acne. It is easy to recover as long as the catkeeper can clean and take care of it carefully. I hope that all the owners of Feline acne will be cured soon!