Cat acne is a very common condition that can have multiple causes, some seemingly worrying, others not, but one thing is sure: It will be in order to visit your vet to understand the root of these unpleasant little zits and seek the right medication to remedy your cat's acne. There are several types of skin disorders and diseases that cause the formation of pimples on our pets' skin, like fleas, ticks, mites and so on. But there are also some preventive measures you can do for your pet's acne. Below are a few tips.
Use only natural cleaning products. In addition to the fact that humans and cats have different natural preferences when it comes to cleaning, the use of chemical-based cleansers and treatments can irritate feline skin. Not only is this not recommended, it can also result to further bacterial infection, clogged pores and other possible side effects. Natural, organic cleaners are best. These do not contain harsh chemicals and other artificial ingredients that may irritate the skin and worsen feline health problems.
Gently wash your cat's chin daily. Use lukewarm water, as opposed to hot or cold. Do not use human shampoo. Instead, use a mild cat shampoo, preferably one that does not contain any dyes, perfumes, alcohol or other chemicals. Gently scrub your cat's chin with the palm of your hand. This will remove excess sebum and dirt particles.
Avoid touching your cat's chin if you already have an acne on its other parts. Doing so could spread and worsen your current acne. Also, keep in mind that when you press or rub your cat's chin, you are also transferring bacteria from the affected area. You could even transfer the bacteria to your other feline friend.
For stubborn cat blackheads, gently squeeze and remove blackheads. Do this once a day. To treat persistent blackheads, try using a gentle citrus-based facial wash or cleanser twice daily. This will help dry out the blocked skin. Also, it helps to unclog and heal your feline's acne.
Cats with acne should be taken to a vet for proper treatment. Your veterinarian can give your cat antibiotics to help cure the infection and reduce inflammation. In severe cases of cat acne, oral corticosteroids and oral antihistamines can also be given to treat inflammation. If the infection has already spread, your veterinarian might want to perform a skin biopsy, in which the dermatologist will remove a small amount of the infected tissue for analysis.
If these first solutions do not work, your veterinarian may opt to use a laser skin resurfacing procedure. This is the most effective method to get rid of deep-seated acne lesions and scars. The laser heats the affected area and shrinks the pore. This shrinking results in diminished swelling and eventually, the disappearance of the affected area on your cat's chin.
Although the cause of acne in cats is not completely understood, some experts believe that it is caused by hormonal imbalances. Other experts suggest that it is caused by parasitic infection. Still others say that excessive oil on the skin or sebum secretions caused by a bacterial or fungal infection are the real causes of cat acne. Regardless of the source, the symptoms are the same, which is cat skin rashes.
If you notice white or yellowish spots resembling small blisters near the area of the affected area, visit your veterinarian right away. Stop feeding your feline his usual diet and start giving him antibiotic drops. The antibiotic capsules should be taken orally and should not be swallowed whole. If the infection spreads, your veterinarian may decide to perform a tissue biopsy to find out more about the exact cause of cat acne. Once the exact cause is known, your veterinarian can treat cat acne accordingly.
Keep in mind that topical treatments, alone, cannot eliminate the root cause of sebum production. Instead, they simply reduce the inflammation and pain. Oral antibiotics along with an oral corticosteroid are the best way to deal with cat acne. Oral corticosteroids not only treat acne; they also minimize the possibility of infections from bacteria or fungi. Your veterinarian can also give you advice on how to manage sebum production in your pet.