Feline acne is a common health problem among cats, but is usually not serious and is easy to treat and prevent.
Causes of feline acne
Feline acne is caused by overactive oil glands, and takes the form of pimples, a black crusty substance or a small lump. It is usually confined to the chin. Developing at about one year of age, it can vary in severity throughout a cat's life. Although it is a lifelong disease, many cats have periods of remission, and even for those who do not, the condition can be easily managed.
Feline acne is more common during the spring and fall shedding seasons, because this is when the body undergoes a cleansing process. In addition to shedding old hair, the body also rids itself of old waste products, which are then excreted through the pores. Unfortunately, the process is not always effective. In some cats too much waste material is secreted, and the buildup of dirt and oil leads to clogged pores and eventually acne. Because cleaning the chin area is difficult for cats, if a build-up occurs, they may not be able to clean it off themselves and the pores will become increasingly clogged. If the condition progresses, at-home or veterinary treatment may be required in order to prevent more serious skin problems.
How to spot feline acne
Symptoms are usually mild, and include red, swollen pores or black, clogged pores. In severe cases, inflammation and irritation of the skin can occur, as well as swelling of the chin and the lymph nodes of the head and neck. In chronic cases, hair loss and loss of skin pigmentation may also develop. Feline acne usually looks like black dirt that won't wash off or keeps returning after the area has been cleaned.
How to treat the condition at home
Several at-home remedies are effective against feline acne, and include dietary changes as well as treatments applied to the skin. Because feline acne is a result of the body's natural cleansing process, improving the diet to make this process more effective may reduce the risk of problems. These can help a cat's body more effectively cleanse and heal itself so that waste material doesn't build up on the skin and cause irritation.
It is important to keep the affected area clean, and several topical treatments can help remove the accumulated waste material from the skin. A cotton ball soaked in peroxide or vinegar is often suggested for cleaning the area, but vinegar should be used with caution because it could be irritating if the skin is raw. Benzoyl peroxide shampoo used twice a week can also keep the acne under control, and is one of the most common treatments recommended by veterinarians. Washing the chin daily with an antibiotic soap can clear the skin of built-up oil and dirt, and using an antibiotic or anti-fungal topical ointment can prevent the pores from becoming clogged. Daily cleaning of a cat's chin using lukewarm salt water can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Investigating the cause of the acne is also recommended. Acne can arise because of an allergic reaction to plastic food bowls, developing because of bacteria and dirt that can build up within scratches on the surface of the dish. Switching to ceramic, glass or stainless steel dishes may clear up acne for some cats, and washing the cat's dishes every day can keep them clean and safe to use. Persians and other cats with flat faces seem to be more prone to feline acne, and cleaning their chins after they eat may help prevent skin problems.
Feline acne is not usually serious, but in rare cases it can cause severe infection, and if the area becomes swollen, it can also cause discomfort for the cat. Because treatment and prevention are relatively simple, though, keeping skin problems under control should be easy. In most cases, feline acne can be effectively treated at home, a method appreciated by human and cat alike.
