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Acne in Cats
Emily Rothstein, DVM, DACVD
BASIC INFORMATION
Description and Causes
Feline acne is obstruction of the hair follicles on the chin. The underlying
cause and reason the problem develops are unknown.
Clinical Signs
Early lesions consist of blackheads and black debris on the chin. Sometimes
mild scabbing, red bumps, and pimples occur. Lesions may also involve the skin
of the upper and lower lips. After time, the pimples can get larger and cause
the hair follicles to rupture (furunculosis), which leads to discomfort and
bloody drainage.
Wash with a shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide or ethyl lactate until the
lesions have dried out and healed. Gentle washes can then be continued as
needed. Topical antibacterial ointments or creams, such as 2% mupirocin, 0.75%
metronidazole gel, or products containing clindamycin or tetracycline may also
be helpful.
Follow-up Care
If lesions recur and are painful, or if bleeding pimples come back, a recheck
visit should be scheduled with your veterinarian. Notify your veterinarian if
any other clinical signs arise.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnosis is based on the presence of compatible clinical signs and elimination
of other possible skin conditions of the chin.
Prognosis
The prognosis for improvement is good, but affected cats may require lifelong
topical therapy. Permanent hair loss and scarring are common after the lesions
heal.
TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP
Treatment Options
Secondary bacterial infections are treated with systemic antibiotics for 2-4
weeks. The hair may be clipped and the skin gently
Copyright (c) 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Emily Rothstein, DVM, DACVD
BASIC INFORMATION
Description and Causes
Feline acne is obstruction of the hair follicles on the chin. The underlying
cause and reason the problem develops are unknown.
Clinical Signs
Early lesions consist of blackheads and black debris on the chin. Sometimes
mild scabbing, red bumps, and pimples occur. Lesions may also involve the skin
of the upper and lower lips. After time, the pimples can get larger and cause
the hair follicles to rupture (furunculosis), which leads to discomfort and
bloody drainage.
Wash with a shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide or ethyl lactate until the
lesions have dried out and healed. Gentle washes can then be continued as
needed. Topical antibacterial ointments or creams, such as 2% mupirocin, 0.75%
metronidazole gel, or products containing clindamycin or tetracycline may also
be helpful.
Follow-up Care
If lesions recur and are painful, or if bleeding pimples come back, a recheck
visit should be scheduled with your veterinarian. Notify your veterinarian if
any other clinical signs arise.
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnosis is based on the presence of compatible clinical signs and elimination
of other possible skin conditions of the chin.
Prognosis
The prognosis for improvement is good, but affected cats may require lifelong
topical therapy. Permanent hair loss and scarring are common after the lesions
heal.
TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP
Treatment Options
Secondary bacterial infections are treated with systemic antibiotics for 2-4
weeks. The hair may be clipped and the skin gently
Copyright (c) 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.