Feline acne

As Katzenakne or Feline Kinnakne is called a skin disease in domestic cats, the cause of which is unknown. It is considered idiopathic Verhornungstörung, with increased sebum production, immunosuppression, viruses and stress play a role in certain circumstances as factors.

The disease appears first, as in acne of man, in the form of small blackheads on the chin and the lower lip. If you have moderate Katzenakne this may result in a skin and lip inflammation with papules and crusts develop in serious cases, furunculosis and cellulitis. Here, especially secondary infections caused by staphylococci, streptococci, Malassezien or dermatophytes are involved.

The differential diagnosis is mainly a demodicosis and to rule out dermatophytosis. The diagnosis can be made by histologic examination.

If there are only blackheads, a local (topical ) treatment is usually sufficient. Here purifying and horn -resolution substances such as benzoyl peroxide or ethyl lactate can be used. Vitamin A- containing ointments and an addition of unsaturated fatty acids to the diet promote the healing process. In severe forms of secondary infection antibiotics are indicated. In a furunculosis locally mupirocin can be used. The use of isotretinoin proved in a third of cases to be effective.