What Are the Treatments for Feline Chin Acne?

Your cat may not be a teen boy, but that doesn't mean it is immune from acne. Your feline friend can develop its own problem skin right there on its chin. It may sound amusing, but it can become serious if left untreated, so it is important to treat the acne and keep your cat's skin clear.

  1. Symptoms

    • A cat with chin acne will have what looks like blackheads on its chin. The comedomes are small black dots, usually clustered together, and often make the cat's chin appear dirty. This condition is more common on cats that tend to have greasy fur.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian can examine the cat to determine if the cat's symptoms are acne or another condition. He may take a skin scraping, culture or biopsy in order to rule out other factors, such as a fungal infection.

    Treatment

    • Keeping the area clean is important, and your cat's vet can help determine which product to use in order to clear it up. Benzoyl peroxide, iodine, Epsom salt soaks, or antibacterial soaps are just some of the options. The vet may also prescribe a steroid cream to help bring down swelling or, if the case is very bad, an oral medication such as a steroid or antibiotic.

    Prevention

    • Avoid feeding your cat out of plastic food dishes, which are believed to contribute to feline acne; instead, opt for stainless steel or ceramic food bowls, and wash them regularly. If your cat is prone to acne, wash its chin regularly, especially after it is done eating. Make sure it is eating a high quality food and is in good health.

    Precautions

    • If left untreated, feline chin acne can become very severe. It can get swollen, red, infected and cause your cat a lot of pain. It is important to seek veterinary care and do your best to treat the acne before it escalates into a more serious condition.