Feline acne may affect both male and female cats of all ages. The specific causes of the disease are not known. Cats with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.
Stress is said to be a possible cause. Also included as possible contributing factors are poor grooming habits and abnormal sebum production.
In affected cats, lesions vary in severity, but are typically mild and asymptomatic. Pain and/or itching are not common unless there is a secondary bacterial skin infection. Lesions usually initially present at about 1 year of age, and remain cyclic for the life of the cat.
Depending upon the severity of the symptoms, and whether or not any secondary conditions exist, treatment may or may not be required. Your veterinarian will have to make this determination.
Feline acne signs and symptoms -- The clinical signs of acne in cats may include lesions on the lower lip and chin. Your cat may have dark brown comedones or crusted reddish papules. In addition, there may be swelling of the chin and around the lips.
In more serious cases, there may be a secondary bacterial infection present. Signs of this may include edema (swelling) of the chin area, or drainage of the lesions. In these cases, antibiotics, both systemic (taken internally) and topical, may be prescribed.
Sometimes ringworm or yeast infections can be mistaken for acne, as can bacterial skin infections as well.
Treatment -- Feline acne treatment, in mild cases, is often not necessary. In fact, overtreatment is believed to lead to more severe skin lesions.
Treatment may vary based on the severity of the case. Your veterinarian may recommend topical therapy of some kind to help remove the blackheads.
In order to facilitate cleaning of the affected area, as well as the application of topical medications, your vet may remove excess skin from the area around the lesions. You should never attempt this yourself as you can hurt your cat or cause an infection.
Antiseborrheic shampoos may be prescribed, and antiseptics, such as Listerine or alcohol may be used.
As with acne in people, topical benzoyl peroxide solutions are often prescribed. These are available in small animal strength formulas, which is one-half that of the human preparation, in shampoo or gel form.
Never use a preparation made for humans on your cat unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. You should know that even the milder animal formula benzoyl peroxide treatments may be irritating to your cat's skin when used repeatedly over time.
Immune compromised cats, such as those suffering from feline AIDS may receive steroid therapy treatment for feline acne. Additional supplements may be used as well, including off-label drugs.
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Author Kurt Schmitt has created a cat lovers resource including information on cat health problems and feline acne treatment Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.
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