What is Superficial Bacterial Folliculitis?
Superficial bacterial folliculitis, also called superficial pyoderma, is a bacterial infection of hair follicles, typically caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. This condition commonly affects dogs but is rare in cats. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the abdomen, inner thighs, armpits, back, and flanks. The infection can be localized or generalized, without specific breed, age, or gender predisposition.
This condition may be primary or secondary to underlying causes. Certain diseases or invisible factors weaken your pet’s skin barrier, making it vulnerable to infection. Possible underlying causes include:
- Food or environmental allergies
- Parasitic infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease)
If the underlying issue is not identified and addressed, recurrence is common.
What are the Symptoms?
Common clinical signs of superficial bacterial folliculitis include:
- Intense itching
- Small red or white pimples
- Redness (often target-shaped)
- Crusting and hair loss
- Blackening or thickening of the skin
Symptoms may vary depending on infection severity and individual sensitivity.
How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination. Skin smears, obtained by swabbing skin cells, are commonly analyzed microscopically to confirm bacterial presence. In some cases, bacterial culture is necessary to precisely identify the bacteria and its antibiotic sensitivity. This test, performed in an external laboratory, ensures treatment is tailored specifically to your pet’s needs.
What is the Treatment?
Primary treatment involves oral antibiotics, with improvement typically seen within the first week. However, antibiotic therapy should continue for one week after complete skin healing. Usually, a 3 to 4-week treatment period suffices, but some cases require 6 to 8 weeks. Premature discontinuation can lead to bacterial resistance, complicating future infections.
Antibacterial or soothing shampoos may be recommended to accelerate healing. If itching is severe, your veterinarian may prescribe oral corticosteroids such as prednisone, prednisolone, or Vanectyl-P® to relieve discomfort.
Why Consult a Veterinarian?
Superficial bacterial folliculitis could indicate an underlying health issue. Prompt veterinary consultation ensures rapid diagnosis and effective treatment, providing comfort and maintaining your pet’s health while preventing recurrence or complications.
Carefully follow your veterinarian’s prescriptions and recommendations to ensure complete and lasting recovery.
