El feline eczema, also known as miliary dermatitis, is one of the most common dermatological conditions in cats. This condition is mainly characterized by causing rashes and skin lesions due to allergic reactions, infections or inflammations. In addition to being one of the main causes of hair loss in felines, represents a significant discomfort for the animal, causing intense itching.
In this article, you will learn not only how to identify feline eczema, but also helpful tips on how to treat it effectively and how to prevent future recurrences in your cat.
What is feline eczema?
El eczema o feline miliary dermatitis is a skin disease in cats that can be caused by various reasons. Its name, miliary dermatitis, comes from the appearance of skin lesions, which look like pimples or bumps, similar to millet grains.
Feline eczema occurs due to the cat immune system response to various triggering factors. These can range from food allergies, environmental allergies (such as mites or pollens), to insect bites. fleas or a bacterial infectionIt is essential to identify the exact trigger, as the treatment to follow will depend on this.
Below, we explore in detail the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of eczema in cats.
Causes of feline eczema
El eczema In cats, it can be triggered by multiple factors. Below, we analyze the main causes that may be behind the appearance of this skin disease:
- Flea allergy: One of the most common triggers of eczema is flea allergy. Even a single bite can cause a severe skin reaction in cats due to the saliva of this parasite. The affected area is usually mainly the back, neck and base of the tail.
- Food allergies: Many cats develop food allergies that can affect your skin, causing irritation, itching and lesions. Identifying the allergenic food is essential to avoid future eczema outbreaks.
- Environmental allergens: Factors such as dust, MitesPollen or mold can also cause allergic reactions in cats, manifesting through eczema. These reactions can be intensified during certain times of the year such as spring or summer.
- Bacterial or fungal infections: Infections caused by bacteria or fungi, such as tub, are also factors that can aggravate or trigger feline eczema. An infection that is not treated in time can lead to the appearance of aggravated lesions and hair loss.
Symptoms of feline eczema
The symptoms of eczema in cats are varied and depend on the severity of the disease. However, the most common ones are:
- Intense itching (pruritus): The cat constantly scratches and licks itself excessively in an attempt to relieve the itching, which can make the situation worse.
- Red and swollen skin: It is often observed skin irritation and redness in the affected areas.
- Scabs or skin lesions: Affected areas may develop small, pimple-like crusts, nodules, or bumps.
- Loss of hair: In areas where the cat scratches or licks most frequently, the skin may lose hair, leaving bald areas.
- Secondary infectionsIn more advanced cases, due to continuous scratching, the cat may cause wounds and bacterial infections.
Diagnosing feline eczema
The diagnosis of miliary dermatitis It usually focuses on the exclusion of other pathologies. veterinarian will perform a physical exam of the cat that may include:
- Tests for detecting parasites: Skin scrapings may be performed to detect mites or other external parasites such as fleas.
- allergy tests: In situations where an allergy is suspected (whether food or environmental), intradermal or blood tests may be used to identify specific allergens.
- Skin analysis: In some cases, cultures or PCR tests are used to rule out bacterial or fungal infections.
- Elimination diets:It is common that, when a food allergy is suspected, elimination diets are carried out to determine which ingredient is causing the problem.
Treating eczema in cats
Treatment for miliary dermatitis depends on the underlying cause. Below we describe some of the most common options depending on the source of the problem:
- Flea control: Since the fleas Flea parasites are one of the most common causes of feline eczema, so it is essential to eliminate these parasites and keep your cat protected. Flea products should be administered regularly to both your cat and any other animal that lives with your cat.
- Controlled feeding: In the case of food allergies, your veterinarian will recommend an elimination diet to identify and eliminate the ingredient that is causing the reaction. A balanced diet that strengthens the cat's skin barrier may also be helpful.
- anti-inflammatory drugs: Medicines such as corticosteroids to antihistamines They are especially useful for controlling inflammation and reducing itching in cases of acute eczema.
- ImmunotherapyIn chronic or severe cases, it may be necessary to resort to immunotherapy, which consists of "vaccinating" the cat to desensitize it to the allergen.
- Topical treatments: There are products such as shampoos and creams with soothing properties to relieve irritation and restore the skin barrier of the cat. These products can be applied for several days or weeks depending on the severity of the disease.
How to prevent feline eczema
Prevent eczema in your cat involves acting on the causes that trigger it. Here are some practical tips:
- Parasite control: Maintain regular flea and mite control using antiparasitic treatments recommended by your veterinarian.
- Good nutrition: Provides a balanced and healthy diet, avoiding ingredients that may cause allergies.
- Environmental hygiene: Keep your home clean to prevent the proliferation of mites, and wash your bed and toys regularly.
While feline eczema It can affect your pet's quality of life, and is a treatable and preventable condition in most cases. With proper veterinary care, the use of effective treatments and taking preventative precautions, it is possible to control and minimize your cat's discomfort. Do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you notice any worrying symptoms, as an early diagnosis will make a difference in your feline's health.
My cat is like three-quarters wild and another crazy, as we live in the forest it is usual for him to disappear for several days and come in a week to ask for pampering.
He has developed an eczema on his ear, which since he does not stop scratching, has spread.
We have tried those mittens so that it cannot be scratched, but it takes them off. To apply chamomile infusion with a few drops of oil (a remedy for humans) but run away (either by hand or with a diffuser).
It scratches with the branches, it causes vomiting if given unnatural medication and it is impossible to keep it at home for regular treatment. We tied him with an extendable strap to a cable (not light, obviously), having about a hundred meters to run around and that he was locatable and he scratched himself so much to get out of running that we had to find him by following a trail of blood.
Is there a strong enough remedy that does not require continuity and is natural? I know I'm asking for a miracle, but seriously, it's sad to see it.
My cat has wet eczema on his paws, we have already medicated him according to his medical prescription and he is improving at the moment but it is not cured ... is there a cure for this disease?
Hi Rossana.
Eczema does heal, but it can take time.
With patience and daily care you will recover 🙂
A greeting.