Table of Contents
- Identifying Folliculitis in Dogs
- Causes and Treatments of Folliculitis in Dogs
- 1. Callus Dermatitis
- 2. External Parasites
- 3. Interdigital Cysts
- 4. Allergies
- 6. Fungal Infections
- 7. Skin Fold Pyoderma
- 8. Pyotraumatic Folliculitis
- 9. Acral Lick Granuloma
- 10. Malassezia Dermatitis
- Preventing Dog Folliculitis
- Related
Bacterial Folliculitis, or simply Folliculitis in dogs, is a hair follicle inflammation caused by either bacterial infection, parasitic infestations, hormonal disorders, fungi infections, systematic diseases, or skin diseases.
To prevent this condition from affecting your dogs, here's what you need to know more about Bacterial Folliculitis in dogs.
Identifying Folliculitis in Dogs
Whatever the cause of the inflammation may be, the principal and most noticeable symptoms of canine folliculitis can be:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Itching
- Pustules (Pimples)
- Hair Loss
But you can also check for:
- Hyperpigmentation,or darkening of the skin;
- Superficial Erosions,or theloss of the outer lawyer of the skin, causing raw spots on the skin;
- Draining Tacts or Fistulous Tractsare large, firm, raised, and damaged circular tissues in between your dog's skin;
- Papulesare solid and elevated reddish swellings on the skin caused by inflammation;
- Epidermal Collarettesare circular areas of hair loss paired with crusting or scaling around their borders.
Aside from these symptoms, your dog's veterinarian will also do several diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings, skin cytology, and fungal culture to determine whether they have Canine Folliculitis or not.
Other possible tests also include ringworm testing, skin biopsy, histopathology, and bacterial culture and sensitivity.
There are no specific breeds predisposed to having a hair follicle infection. However, some dog breeds can have skin diseases in general.
They may also contract systematic diseases, like canine skin infection, that can eventually lead to folliculitis.
ALSO READ:Top 5 Best Itch Relief Treatments for Dogs
Causes and Treatments of Folliculitis in Dogs
The most common causes of folliculitis in dogs areskin diseases. Skin diseases originate from an overreactive immune system response to allergies or specific infectious or environmental agents.
As dogs instinctively scratch their skin, they will also produce tiny skin wounds that become infected with bacteria, leading to folliculitis or staph infection.
The nine most common skin conditions that may cause folliculitis in dogs, as well as proper treatment for them, are:
1. Callus Dermatitis
When a dog scratches and bites an affected area, it can create cracks in the skin. These cracks also provide the warm, dark, and moist regions that encourage bacterial growth.
Constant irritation forms calluses, most often found on their feet but may also be found on the chest, elbows, and hocks.
A callus may be possible protection of the skin.
Still, where calluses reside, there can be the formation of small cysts around the hair follicles that may become irritated and cause bumps, blackheads, holes, or discharge on the callus.
Treatment:Vet diagnosis, antibiotics, and medicated shampoo for two to six weeks. Use soft bedding and maintain the dog at a healthy weight to reduce pressure placed upon the calluses.
2. External Parasites
Fleas are the most common external parasite found on dogs and can cause severe skin irritation when heavily infested.
Other external parasites that cause skin irritation areear mites, sarcoptic mange mites (scabies), ticks, and fleas.
Treatment:Maintaining a well-groomed coat and preventative maintenance schedule, flea and tick medications, and topical ointments.
Mite-killing or flea-killing treatments may also be necessary to remove a current infestation before preventative maintenance can occur.
Additionally, it may be helpful to invest in inflammation, reducing ointment to relieve the dog of irritation.
3. Interdigital Cysts
An interdigital cyst is a painful lesion located in the interdigital webs of dogs, as described and defined by theMerck Veterinary Manual.
Also known as interdigital furuncles, they're noticeable as a sore or hairless bump between a dog's toes.
They're likely due to allergies, excess weight, poor foot conformations, mites, ingrown hairs, other foreign bodies, oryeast infections.
Treatment:Vet diagnosis, use of antibiotics/steroids/mite-killers, Epsom salt soaks, medicated cloths, or in dire situations, the removal of the webbing between their toes.
A controversial procedure as it may cause problems of a different type.
4. Allergies
Skin allergies happen due to a state of over-reactivity of the dog's immune system to an allergen. Allergens can be anything from food to grass to fleas.
If an allergic reaction is producing folliculitis, lookout for signs of itching, coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Allergies are widespread in dogs, with no predisposition to a specific age, breed, or body type.
Treatment:Most allergies are treatable at home by identifying and removing the allergen from their vicinity or overall routine.
If unavoidable or unidentifiable, the vet can prescribe allergy medication or recommend monthly allergy shots depending on the intensity and frequency of the reactions.
5. Canine Acne
This condition is similar to human acne prevalent in adolescent dogs, usually showing up at approximately 5-8 months of age.
They are red bumps and blackheads found on the chin and lips of younger dogs, and they can become infected.
The affected areas may fill with pus causing the dog to scratch and increase the risk of bacterial infection in their skin.
Treatment:Acne is primarily an eyesore but can become an issue when infected. Thus, a vet can prescribe a canine acne treatment that is safe for use.
They may also recommend a change of diet and possibly a change in their bowl material, from plastic to ceramic or metal, along with cleaning them daily.
6. Fungal Infections
There are various fungal infections, but the most common is Blastomycosis, a frequent yeast-like fungal infection in male dogs.
The fungus lives in decaying wood and soil and thrives in wet environments like riverbanks, lakes, and swamps.
Other conditions include ringworm and yeast infections.
Treatment:All types require a vet diagnosis, and most often, a biopsy or testing is done to determine the exact fungal infection.
Misdiagnosis is extremely dangerous as some symptoms are identical to cancer, bacterial infections, or other fungal infections.
Depending on the type of fungal infection, the vet may prescribe a medicated bath, oral anti-fungal medications, and antiseptic drugs.
They can also prescribe infusing nasal passages with liquid anti-fungal medicines.
Treatments vary in length, with some being only two-four weeks and others extending through months.
7. Skin Fold Pyoderma
A skin fold pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection on the surface or deep layers of the skin.
It is due toStaphylococcus intermedius, a naturally occurring bacteria in the skin that causes contamination when the natural balance is disturbed.
Major problems are rare; this infection typically only causes slight discomfort in addition to folliculitis.
Treatment:Vet diagnosis, oral antibiotics, and medicated shampoo for two to six weeks.
8. Pyotraumatic Folliculitis
Also known as acute moist dermatitis or “hot spot,” it is a condition caused by self-inflicted trauma as an attempt to relieve pain in a particular area.
They react and look like infections in the skin but are not actual skin infections.
Treatment:Vet diagnosis to determine an underlying cause for the reaction that may need medical attention.
Otherwise, a combination of antibiotics and cleaning of the affected area with medicated shampoo and topical medication.
9. Acral Lick Granuloma
A minor sore spot on the skin agitated by the dog creates a skin lesion. These are due to a dog's need to lick an area, forming new granulomas continually.
The skin becomes so profoundly affected that you can inspect the base layer of skin can and see scarred oil glands, inflamed capillaries, broken hair follicles, and pockets of bacteria.
Treatment:There is no specific treatment as this is self-inflicted by the dog without prior agitation. Even removal of the affected area is not a sufficient cure as the dog will do the same to the surgery spot.
Assisting the dog with anxiety or other similar issues may help as this can affect separation anxiety.
10. Malassezia Dermatitis
Malassezia Dermatitis results from an underlying skin disease caused by several skin diseases, especiallyMalassezia pachydermatis.
The affected areas are usually pink-ish and balding, with elephant-like skin. The skin also has yellow or gray spots; it's either scaly, greasy, or waxy to the touch.
Treatment:The treatment for this conditionusually includes using antifungal topical ointments and therapy, as well as antifungal shampoos, wipes, and lotions containing ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine.
Preventing Dog Folliculitis
The type of folliculitis is what determines how preventable it is. Keeping folds of skin on wrinkled dogs can help prevent it, as will maintaining stringent flea prevention.
Controlling hormonal imbalances and avoiding areas where the bacteria and fungus are prevalent can reduce the risk of folliculitis.
Prevent itching in dogs using different methods and use an Elizabethan collar to stop the dog from licking/chewing at the area.
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Related
FAQs
How do you get rid of folliculitis on a dog? ›
Your vet may recommend regular baths with a medicated shampoo. Sprays, creams, or ointments containing steroids, antibiotics, or antifungal agents are often necessary as well. Bacterial folliculitis is usually treated with oral antibiotics. A long course of treatment may be necessary to eradicate the bacteria.
What is the best antibiotic for folliculitis in dogs? ›The increasing frequency of multidrug resistance complicates the selection of antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial agents that were once rarely used in cases of canine SBF, such as amikacin, rifampicin and chloramphenicol, are becoming the drugs of choice, based on bacterial culture and susceptibility testing.
What is the fastest way to heal folliculitis? ›- Apply a warm, moist washcloth. ...
- Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
- Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
- Clean the affected skin. ...
- Protect the skin.
In both dogs and cats, allergic skin disease is perhaps the most common cause of bacterial folliculitis. Parasitism and fungal infection of the skin are also common causes.
Is folliculitis curable in dogs? ›If a bacterial infection is causing your dog's case of folliculitis, then oral antibiotics may be prescribed by your veterinarian. Depending on your dog's pain level, they may also recommend that your dog takes an oral pain killer as well until the discomfort lessens.
Can Apple cider vinegar help folliculitis in dogs? ›Apple cider vinegar for folliculitis in dogs has been long recommended as a home remedy as it has natural antibacterial properties and reduces inflammation. It shouldn't be applied directly to red or broken skin. Oatmeal and aloe vera-based shampoos are helpful as they have skin-soothing properties and reduce itching.
How long does dog folliculitis last? ›For that reason, treating bacterial folliculitis in dogs might extend from three to 12 weeks. The instances of bacterial folliculitis that are secondary to flea allergies are going to require stringent flea control in addition to topical and systemic antimicrobial drugs.
How often should I bathe my dog folliculitis? ›Get a routine going
Bathing once a week will help relieve pain and itching, and increase healing and recovery from any infections. Once the infection has been treated, either with antibiotics or in many cases with a cream, you should be able to reduce bathing to every two weeks.
Folliculitis is often caused when hair follicles are infected with bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph).
Does coconut oil help with folliculitis in dogs? ›Topical options include things like coconut oil, aloe vera, tea, and witch hazel. Most have good properties for itchy skin. Whether it's to sooth the skin, as an astringent, or an anti-bacterial – these won't hurt your dog and may help sooth some of the itchiness.
Can bacterial folliculitis spread? ›
Folliculitis from infectious agents may spread by sharing razors, towels, or through hot tubs. It can also spread from one part of the body to another if you're not careful. Some types of folliculitis may require treatment with topical or oral medication (including antibiotics or antifungals).
Does vinegar help folliculitis? ›MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP TREAT YOUR FOLLICULITIS:
A holistic treatment may include soaking the affected area in a tub of diluted white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts of water) or soaking in a bathtub with very diluted Clorox bleach (1/4 cup of Clorox bleach in a bathtub of water).
People may sometimes mistake psoriasis and folliculitis for other skin conditions, including: fungal skin infections. eczema or dermatitis. pityriasis rosea.
How do you treat folliculitis without antibiotics? ›...
Home remedies
- Do a soap wash. ...
- Wear loose, dry clothing. ...
- Use a warm compress. ...
- Try aloe vera. ...
- Do a hydrogen peroxide wash. ...
- Apply antibiotic creams. ...
- Use anti-itching lotion.
Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with topical clindamycin.
Why does my dog keep getting bacterial skin infections? ›infection, particularly recurrent infections, have an underlying abnormality of their metabolic or immune systems. This form of pyoderma is a frequent complication of environmental allergies, food hypersensitivities, skin parasites (mites, fleas) and endocrine diseases, like hypothyroidism.
Can dogs get folliculitis from grooming? ›“Folliculitis is the inflammation of a dog's hair follicles,” Dr. McCullough says. And while it's usually a secondary condition because of an illness, it can also happen because of improper or excessive grooming or contaminated grooming products.
How long does folliculitis last? ›The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days.
What does folliculitis look like? ›In most cases, the main symptom of folliculitis is red bumps that look like pimples on your skin. These could also look like they're white-filled bumps or they could be filled with pus (pustules). Folliculitis can feel itchy and uncomfortable. Many people feel the need to scratch when they have folliculitis.
Can dogs lick apple cider vinegar? ›Apple cider vinegar is made from just apples and water, making it completely safe for dogs. It is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.1 to 5, which gives it properties that can soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract. Add a teaspoon of ACV to your dog's water bowl and see if he'll drink it!
Can I spray my dog with vinegar and water? ›
To make your own flea and tick repellent, mix one part vinegar with one part water and spray it on your pet's fur. You can also add a few drops of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to help repel fleas and ticks from the inside out. Morgan recommends one teaspoon per quart of water.
Can I spray my dog with apple cider vinegar? ›A dilute solution of 50/50 apple cider vinegar and purified water can also be added to a spray bottle and applied to the dog's fur to improve coat quality and dandruff. Make sure to avoid any open sores or hotspots with this mixture.
What can I put on my dog's skin infection? ›This type of infection may impact a dog's skin or upper respiratory tract, and can be treated using oral antibiotics such as cephalexin, erythromycin or clindamycin. Antibiotic ointments and shampoos can also work.
Does dog hair grow back after folliculitis? ›Recovery of Hair Loss Related to Infection in Dogs
Once his skin is healthy, his fur will begin to grow back. If you do not treat the infection, his skin will continue to be unhealthy and his fur will not grow back. The worse his skin gets, the longer treatment will need to be once started.
How to Treat Dog Pyoderma (Skin Infections) with Natural Remedies
What is the best thing to wash a dog with skin allergies? ›- Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs. ...
- Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs. ...
- Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo. ...
- K9 Pro Aloe and Oatmeal Cucumber Melon Shampoo. ...
- Honeydew Brand Lavender Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. ...
- Pets Are Kids Too Premium Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. ...
- 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo.
Bacterial skin infections may be challenging to treat because most antimicrobial drugs don't reach the skin, and if they do, they must be offered at high dosages and for a lengthy duration of time. For that reason, treating bacterial folliculitis in dogs might extend from three to 12 weeks.
Can Apple cider vinegar help folliculitis in dogs? ›Apple cider vinegar for folliculitis in dogs has been long recommended as a home remedy as it has natural antibacterial properties and reduces inflammation. It shouldn't be applied directly to red or broken skin. Oatmeal and aloe vera-based shampoos are helpful as they have skin-soothing properties and reduce itching.
How can you tell if folliculitis is bacterial or fungal? ›Diagnosis of folliculitis
They may take a swab of the infected skin to test for which bacteria or fungus is the cause of the folliculitis. In rare cases, a doctor may order a skin biopsy to exclude the possibility of other causes.
Folliculitis signs and symptoms include: Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over. Itchy, burning skin.
Does dog hair grow back after folliculitis? ›
Recovery of Hair Loss Related to Infection in Dogs
Once his skin is healthy, his fur will begin to grow back. If you do not treat the infection, his skin will continue to be unhealthy and his fur will not grow back. The worse his skin gets, the longer treatment will need to be once started.
- Apple Cider Vinegar known as an antimicrobial agent can also be used to manage the problem. Mix 1 tablespoon of ACV with ½ a cup of water. Dip cotton balls in the mixture and apply onto the affected areas for twenty mins, repeat twice a day.
What medication cures folliculitis? ›First line treatment is indomethacin (50 mg/day). Other therapies include UVB phototherapy, minocycline, or dapsone. Pityrosporum folliculitis initially responds to topical antifungals such as ketoconazole cream or shampoo but is often associated with relapses. For relapses, systemic antifungals should be tried.
Can dogs lick apple cider vinegar? ›Apple cider vinegar is made from just apples and water, making it completely safe for dogs. It is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.1 to 5, which gives it properties that can soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract. Add a teaspoon of ACV to your dog's water bowl and see if he'll drink it!
Can I spray my dog with vinegar and water? ›To make your own flea and tick repellent, mix one part vinegar with one part water and spray it on your pet's fur. You can also add a few drops of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to help repel fleas and ticks from the inside out. Morgan recommends one teaspoon per quart of water.
Can I spray my dog with apple cider vinegar? ›A dilute solution of 50/50 apple cider vinegar and purified water can also be added to a spray bottle and applied to the dog's fur to improve coat quality and dandruff. Make sure to avoid any open sores or hotspots with this mixture.
What foods to avoid if you have folliculitis? ›Brooks also advises avoiding diets high in carbs and sugars or with a high glycemic index, which can cause fluctuations in your glucose levels. “Rising glucose levels increase hormones in your skin, leading to oil production, which can cause folliculitis [inflammation of hair follicles],” he says.
How do you treat folliculitis naturally? ›- Do a soap wash. Clean the area with warm water and soap twice a day. ...
- Wear loose, dry clothing. ...
- Use a warm compress. ...
- Try aloe vera. ...
- Do a hydrogen peroxide wash. ...
- Apply antibiotic creams. ...
- Use anti-itching lotion. ...
- Try wet wraps.
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own in about 2 weeks. You can take care of yourself at home with: A warm compress. This may ease itching and help healing.
What virus causes folliculitis? ›Viral folliculitis
Herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes cold sores, can cause folliculitis. This is an uncommon form of folliculitis. The bumps will appear close to a cold sore and can be spread by shaving.
How do you prevent folliculitis? ›
- Wash your skin with warm water and a gentle cleanser.
- Apply plenty of gel or shaving cream, not soap, and let it sit 5-10 minutes to soften your hair.
- Use a new blade each time you shave so you know it's clean and sharp; single blades are ideal.
- Shave in the direction your hairs grow.
How Do Dermatologists Diagnose and Treat Folliculitis? Resist the temptation to squeeze or pop a folliculitis boil. While you might manage to express the pus and other infected fluid, you also run the risk of pushing those toxins more deeply into the skin, to the point that they may enter your bloodstream.