Skin Problem in 8 month old kitten

Hi all

I have a little issue. A couple of weeks ago I noticed my kitten Frankie developed what appeared to be a mucky mark underneath his whiskers on the right side. I didn't think much of it until when I wet it (warm compress) it looked scabby and black in colour. Three days later and no improvement I took him to the vet who suspected ringworm. She prescribed Surolan to be applied twice a day. I think because it is anti inflammatory, antibiotic and anti fungal.

5 days later I checked him back and she seemed to think it looked better. Advised to continue with Surolan twice daily and before each application applying diluted hibiscrub to cleanse the skin. I don't see any improvement and that's after a further 5 days now. I have attached photos. The first two are when it first appeared. The third is after 5 days and the fourth after a further 5.

Appreciate your thoughts. It doesn't seem to bother him apart from when touched. He's eating and playing. Bit less in this heat though. Thanks all Val

Looks like cat acne.  If you use plastic bowls, switch to stainless steel, ceramic, or clay.  Also, he probably should be seen by the vet to make sure nothing is infected.

Hi. thank you for your reply. He's going back to see the vet Saturday of there is no improvement. I've checked him this morning and the areas have formed yet more scabs and when I go to cleanse it there is a yellow residue (like wet blood) on the cotton pad.

I've never used plastic bowls at all. Both my two are with ceramic. I've switched him to a wide set ceramic bowl to ease comfort in his whiskers.

Any idea what else could cause the acne? It's not infected on the surface and he's not feverish. Eating and drinking normally. Just scabby looking. Attached is this mornings photo. Also a scab that was hanging off him. Also he's been treated for fleas before someone says dermatitis haha. So hoping it's not that!

Thanks Val

He's booked in Saturday morning. The receptionist said she's going to have a word with the vet and let me know if she wants to see me sooner though.

I've been back so many times with him for various issues. I feel so embarrassed. Hope this isn't me overreacting hate worrying.

Ceramic can get hairline cracks and harbor the same bacteria that cause acne...can you get stainless steal?

I can do. I do change the bowls quite regularly though. And they get washed in the dishwasher. Does it definitely look like acne?

The vet called me and wants to see him tomorrow. My concern is that he could he harbouring an infection and needs an antibiotic or something to fight the infection under he skin.

You know, I have one Crock pot that if I don't "clean" it by cooking vinegar water in it, it will grow "something" in hairline cracks that I cannot see.  I've run it through the sanitizer cycle of the dishwasher and of course heated dry, but it will still grow stuff.  Oddly enough it isn't my old Rival Crock pot, it's the newer brand that bought the Crock pot name.  They just don't make things like they used to.

It's more than likely acne.  Is it a life or death emergency?  No, but I'd still gladly accept tomorrow's appointment if possible. 

Thank you for the reassurance. I am if anything a worrier. My partner is taking him tomorrow for me as I'm working. Ok. Stainless steel dishes from now on. It just doesn't seem to be healing even with bathing in hibiscrub sanitiser. I'm working on the basis that if it was ringworm he would be a hairless patchy kitty. Other than the abbrasions he seems fine. Not moving much in this heat we are having but I don't particularly want to move either so that's normal haha

I really don't think you're being a worrier.  Your concerns are reasonable, and secondary infections can occur.  If that was on your face, you'd be calling a doctor. 

I wouldn't be leaving the house haha.

Well let's hope it's nothing. It just looks sore. I shall post an update once I've got one. I've just noticed now too he has a tiny sore above his eye. Right near his eyelid. Very odd

I'd leave the crusts alone for now, to allow the vet to possibly do a scraping if needed.  Live bacteria/stuff grows better than dead ones. 

Eugh haha. Yeh I'm leaving him alone. Other than the lotion he's had put on him. All I hope is that it's not ringworm...

It's probably gotten infected, but hopefully the vet will shed some insight on the situation today.  Glad you're getting him in today rather than waiting.  You can use acne pads to clean his face and help clear up the acne.

What sort of acne pads? I'm mindful of his skin being sensitive

Ok vet update for Frankie. She thinks it's dermatitis. Not acne or ringworm. She have him a grade 3 antibiotic injection, which is the strongest they have, and said that should kick the infection. Here is hoping. She advised not to touch his face at all and to check him back next week for another look. Soooo expensive good job I don't have kids. The cats cost me enough! Lol

Do you know what antibiotic it was?  I'm glad it's something simple.

I don't I'm afraid. The boyfriend didn't ask for an itemised receipt but I know it cost me £46!! Eeek. Vet said injection was the strongest possible and should last two weeks. Any underlying infection should clear she said. If it doesn't then it's onto the next thing. Not sure what that is yet. Think she's eliminating certain things first e.g ringworm and infections.

My other kitten had a minor episode of ringworm when I got her so we looked for that first. That was approx 6 weeks ago. However it was never properly diagnosed it was a 'oh yeh it's ringworm' look by the vet. No uv... nothing tested by culture etc. This was at the rescue's vet so who knows. Hence me being so paranoid it's ringworm. Vet is certain it's not on Frankie as insists it looks nothing like it and doesn't glow under Woods Lamp test (Phoebe's did but only on a tiny tiny area on her tail but she had bad dandruff too so hmmm). Also she had been treated 12 days with daktarin cream by the foster before I got her. Phoebe's siblings mum hadn't been so lucky and didn't listen didn't treat him and now her older cat has it. The glowing kind.

Anyway... Ranting on... Thanks for listening. I shall try keep you posted.

Just thought it would update. Frankie is back at the vets for his 7 days follow up tomorrow. I took a photo of the wounds/scabs yesterday. The one above is before. The one below is 5 days after the antibiotic.

I think there seems to be an improvement! Might be bacterial after all.

There is less reddening, which is good.  Looks like there's some healing going on.  Good job!