Hair follicles infected by bacteria cause feline acne. It is a consequence of poor hygiene or alterations in the keratinization process of the cat’s skin, which develops because the hair follicles produce excessive amounts of keratin and sebum. Another cause is stress.
This skin condition is located mostly in the chin, an area that is also called submental organ, there are large sebaceous glands. Before proceeding with any treatment for its cure, it is necessary to make a diagnosis so that other cutaneous infectious pathologies are discarded.
If the condition is not treated in time during its early stages, pyoderma, scabby lesions, folliculitis, pustular, erythema and excoriations derived from scratching will occur.
It is important to clarify that feline acne has no cure. If a case is diagnosed chronically, the cat will need treatment and lifelong care.

¿What to do in severe cases of feline acne?

Among the recommendations to treat severe cases of feline acne are:
Replace the plastic container where you eat or drink water with one of stainless steel, glass or ceramic.
Disinfect the area with chlorhexidine soap (disinfectant and antiseptic) 2 or 3 times a day. Then, dry the area well, humidity is conducive environment for bacteria and fungi to spread.
Another pharmacological composition used is benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide; Thanks to the antibacterial properties of both, they give good results in the treatment of feline acne.
Remove the cat from other animals and put it in quarantine while it is in treatment. This, in addition, is important so that healing can occur successfully.
In severe cases, the cat should be taken to the veterinarian to perform a culture and antibiogram, and thus identify exactly what antibiotic to supply. Usually, this type of treatment goes from 4 to 6 weeks depending on the severity of the acne. Oral treatments are more effective than topical treatments.
When the acne shows pustular lesions of great size and a lot of inflammation, the vet specialist in dermatology will propose the option of a surgical intervention for the extirpation of the same ones.

Alternatives for the treatment of feline acne

There are some products, such as Zymox pet spray with hydrocortisone 1.0%, which are used to fight all types of bacteria; In addition, they accelerate the healing process of wounds and skin infections. As the presentation is in spray, its handling and application is usually comfortable.
As for natural products, apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy to eliminate allergens that cause irritation. Also, clean the skin, being able to kill mites, fleas and ringworms.
On the other hand, applying Aloe vera on the infected area serves to calm and reduce inflammation, however, be very careful that the cat does not swallow it as it can be toxic.
Feline acne can be a symptom of other diseases or pathologies, so it is necessary to go to the veterinarian to determine the cause and actions to follow.