Feline acne is a dermatological pathology,it affects both male and female at any age and can be ciclycal or permanent during the cats life.

Stress, FILV or FELV, insuficcient grooming, over-active oil glands, changes in hair follicles, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, demodécica mange, dermatofitiases, contact dermatitis and allergic diseases.

The hair follicles begin to be distended with keratin and lipid content. If these follicles rupture and its contents were spread by the dermis, there is an inflammatory reaction. A secondary bacterial infection of the follicles that leads to folliculitis may also evolve to Furunculosis.

Feline acne is a pretty easy resolution health condition and you will be able to solve it at home when diagnosing correctly the problem. It affects mostly the cats chin and most of the times owners bring they're cats to the veterinarian saying they're cat have a dirty chin.

Feline acne is caused by over-active oil glands, and takes the form of pimples, a black crusty substance or a small lump that looks like dirt.

This skin disorder can occur in any age but is more frequent after one year of age since is not often seen in baby kittens..

It usually has mild symptoms but in severe cases, inflammation and irritation of the skin can appear, as well as swelling of the chin , the upper lip, lymph nodes of the head and neck. In chronic cases, hair loss and loss of skin pigmentation may also develop, but only in severe cases when the problem is disregarded. It is more visible in dark hair cats.

What can be the causes of feline acne?

1º poor hygiene habits of the cat

2º overactive oil glands

3º buildup of dirt and oil leads to clogged pores

4º Keratin production may be insufficient

Hormonal issues haven't been yet proved to be related to feline acne.

keep the affected area clean, and several topical treatments can help remove the accumulated waste material from the skin.

Use some cotton in a ball shape soaked in peroxide or vinegar is often suggested for cleaning the chin area, but vinegar should be used with extreme careful because it could be irritating to the cats skin.

Benzoyl peroxide shampoo used twice a week can also keep the acne under control, and is one of the most recommended treatments 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 your cat’s chin with warm salt water can also help reduce the risk of infection.

The use of vitamin A is not proved to be efficient yet by cientists.

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FELV