Cat acne
As feline acne or Feline Kinnakne is called a skin disease in domestic cats , the cause is not clear. It is regarded as an idiopathic cornification disorder, whereby increased sebum production , immunosuppression , viruses and stress may play a role as factors.
As with human acne, the disease initially manifests itself in the form of small blackheads on the chin and lower lip. In moderate cat acne, inflammation of the skin and lips with papules and crusts can develop , in very severe cases furunculosis and cellulitis . Secondary infections caused by staphylococci , streptococci , malassezia or dermatophytes are mainly involved.
In terms of differential diagnosis , demodicosis and dermatophytosis in particular must be excluded. The diagnosis can be made through a histological examination.
If there are only blackheads, local (topical) treatment is usually sufficient. Here cleaning and horn-dissolving substances such as benzoyl peroxide or ethyl lactate are used. Ointments containing vitamin A and an addition of unsaturated fatty acids to the feed promote healing. In severe forms with secondary infection, antibiotics are indicated. Mupirocin can be used locally for furunculosis . The use of isotretinoin also proved to be effective in a third of the cases.
literature
- Ch. Noli and F. Scarampella: Cat acne . In: Practical Dermatology in Dogs and Cats . Schlütersche Verlagsanstalt, 2nd edition 2005, pp. 351–352. ISBN 3-87706-713-1
