My cat's chin is covered with what looks like small, black, crusty scabs. The veterinarian diagnosed this as "chin acne." What is this and how is it treated? The doctor prescribed antibiotics and told us to clean her chin with soap and water daily. It has been three weeks, and we are still scrubbing her chin; however, it doesn't appear to be getting any better.
Feline acne is an idiopathic (cause not known) disorder of the hair follicles that is rarely curable. Poor grooming, a tendency for excessive oil production, stress and other factors have all been suggested as playing a role in its development; however, the cause is not clearly established. The main, full-blown lesion is a plugged hair follicle that becomes infected with bacteria and may drain serous fluid or pus. The condition may be so severe that the lips become swollen and the chin scarred.
Other conditions may mimic feline acne in the early, follicular-plugging stage. These include ringworm, mange mites or a superficial yeast infection, which can be verified or ruled out by culture, skin scraping, and cytology.
A few simple blackheads, or comedones, may be unsightly, but not a problem for the cat.
Treatment is generally reserved for patients with clinical signs of infection, drainage or swelling.
Topical therapy is indicated in all treatment regimens, with an effort to gently dislodge or dissolve the material plugging the follicles. Warm water soaks and antiseborrheic shampoos are frequently recommended for daily or twice weekly use.
There are topical agents available through veterinarians, such as benzoyl peroxide and Retin-A that may be indicated in some cases, but they may be too irritating for some cats. Antibiotics and fatty acid supplements may also be required. Other systemic medications, beyond antibiotics and fatty acid supplements, are reserved for severe, refractory cases. Consultation with a veterinary dermatologist is advisable in such cases.
Your veterinarian should have the opportunity to re-examine your cat if the condition is not resolved. He or she can assess whether more aggressive treatment is indicated or if more antibiotics are required.
10/13/03
