01【Definition】

Feline acne is a disease of hair follicle keratosis and glandular hyperplasia, which is common in cats.

02【Cause of disease】

1. The direct cause is unknown.

2. It is generally believed to be related to the hair cycle and occurs in the resting phase. Between the resting phase and the neonatal phase, sebaceous gland secretions, keratin and keratinized scales form embolism in the hair follicles and cause facial blemishes.

3. Cats have the habit of cleaning their faces with their forelimbs, but they cannot clean the area near the mandible well. Food residue, sebum and dirt on the skin surface can cause acne in this area.

4. It is reported that an imbalance of sex hormones, especially an increase in male hormones, can induce acne.

03【Clinical symptoms】

Asymptomatic lesions form on the chin, lower lip, and upper lip (occasionally) Acne (blackheads). If secondary bacterial infection occurs in the injured area, papules and pustules may form, and rarely, furunculosis and cellulitis may develop. In severe cases, infected skin can become edematous, thickened, cystic, and scarred.

04【Main differential diagnosis】

Demodicosis, dermatophytosis, Malassezia dermatitis and eosinophilic granuloma (if edema).

05 [Diagnosis]

1. Usually other diseases are excluded based on medical history and clinical symptoms.

2. Skin histopathology: keratinization, blockage and expansion of hair follicles. If secondary bacterial infection is present, perifolliculitis, folliculitis, boils, or cellulitis may be seen.

06【Treatment and Prognosis】

1. Use appropriate systemic antibiotics for at least 2 to 3 weeks followed by treatment Bacterial infection occurs. Use fluconazole to treat Malassezia infection for 30 days.

2. Cut off the hair at the lesion, apply hot compress with warm water, use human alcohol-free acne patch or cleanse with benzoyl peroxide, sulfur salicylic acid or ethyl lactate shampoo, 1~2 days/time , until recovery. It is usually necessary to clean the chin frequently (2~3 days/time) to prevent recurrence.

3. In addition, topical medication may be effective and should be used once every 1 to 3 days or as needed. Medications include:

1) Mupirocin ointment or cream.

2) 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel (note: it may be irritating to some cats).

3) 0.75% metronidazole gel.

4. For refractory cases, systemic use of vitamin A may be effective.

The prognosis is good, but lifelong symptomatic treatment is required to control symptoms. The disease is a cosmetic problem only and does not affect the animal's quality of life unless secondary infection develops.