Many things can cause inflammation of the skin and hair follicles, but there a few very common culprits.
The ectoparasite that causes demodectic mange (Demodex canis) can cause folliculitis. This parasite is ubiquitous and normally lives on adult dogs in the hair follicle. It rarely causes any symptoms, however, because the mature adult immune system keeps the mites from proliferating. Puppies are particularly at risk for demodex, because their immune systems are immature and don’t keep the mites in check. While rare, some adult dogs can develop folliculitis from demodex infestation, but this is usually an indication of underlying immune system incompetence.
Fungal agents can also cause folliculitis. Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is a contagious condition caused by fungal organisms found in the environment. Again, this is more commonly a problem for puppies or kittens, but if there is a lot of exposure to the organism, even adult dogs can become infected.
Bacteria are by far the most common factors associated with folliculitis. Bacterial pyoderma (bacterial skin infection) can cause a myriad of symptoms, including folliculitis. The most common underlying cause of pyoderma is allergies. Certain breeds, such as cocker spaniels and boxers, are prone to skin allergies, but any dog can develop them. If the inciting allergen can be identified and eliminated, recurrent problems with pyoderma and folliculitis will disappear.
What causes these little red bumps?
While folliculitis is most commonly caused by bacteria, there are a variety of other underlying causes:
Bacterial pyoderma. This is the most common bacterial cause of folliculitis. It’s an infection on the surface (or near the surface) of a dog’s skin. Pyoderma can also infect other areas of your pup, like their lips.
Demodicosis (Mange). These are little mites that live deep in the hair follicles, causing inflammation.
Yeast infection or ringworm. These fungal infections found in wet environments can cause infection to a dog’s skin.
Canine acne. Acne causes clogging to your dog’s pores and follicles. Mild causes of acne usually resolve on their own but if the acne is severe, your vet can prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic.
External parasites. Fleas, ticks, mange mites, ear mites, flies can all cause irritation and eventual folliculitis.
Allergies. Allergies to certain foods, grass, pollens, and flea bites can cause your dog’s skin to flare up and their hair follicles to become infected. If you notice your dog is scratching or licking excessively, their folliculitis could be due to allergies.
Hypothyroidism. Hormonal imbalances cause a weakened immune system leading to itchiness and irritation of a dog’s skin.
Hot spots. Hot spots are usually caused by your dog’s excessive scratching or licking of their skin when they’re in pain. It can cause the hair and skin to break down, trapping bacteria and causing irritation in the hair follicles.
Cushing’s disease. This is another hormonal disorder that causes overall immune system weakness and skin irritation for your pup.
How Folliculitis In Dogs Is Treated?
Your vet will help you tackle an appropriate treatment plan for your pooch once they have noticed the cause of his folliculitis. Here are some of the most common treatment options.
Fungal folliculitis — Treatment of fungal folliculitis may include medicated shampoos and topical medications. Fungal diseases, e.g., Blastomycosis, need systemic antifungal medication for a couple of months to do away with the body of fungal organisms.
Bacterial folliculitis (pyoderma) —your canine friend may require extensive treatment to eliminate deep-seated pyodermas. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial folliculitis. A long course of treatment may be necessary to eliminate the bacteria. Topical medications such as creams, ointments, antimicrobial shampoos, and sprays combined with antibiotics can eliminate bacterial infection.
Parasite-induced folliculitis— Canine folliculitis caused by external parasites can be treated by managing the infection resulting from chewing and biting insects. Tick and flea preventatives should be administered frequently to protect puppies from ticks and fleas. Mange mites can be destroyed with oral medications and shampoos.
Remember that many cases of folliculitis have underlying causes that must be treated to do away with your dog’s papules and pustules. Antibiotics are enough to treat mild folliculitis cases, but it is necessary to undergo additional treatment.
The Animal Wellness Magazine suggests that there are some holistic approaches and vets may recommend them. Supplements like fish oil and probiotics have shown to aid in healing helping to reduce inflammation.
Coconut oil, aloe vera, green or black tea, and witch hazel are also other alternatives that can be used for topical applications.
However, these may not be permanent solutions, as you will still need to see the vet to get to the root of the problem.
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