Skin Fold Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats

Intertrigo (skin fold pyoderma)

A bacterial or yeast skin infection that develops within the warm, moist pockets created by deep facial, tail, or body folds. Especially common in wrinkly and brachycephalic breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, and also seen in flat-faced or overweight cats.

Symptoms

Redness and irritation within the skin fold
Hair loss (alopecia) in the affected area
A strong, unpleasant odor
Moist, greasy, or crusty skin
Brown staining of fur near facial folds (from tear staining)
Discomfort or sensitivity when the area is touched

Causes

Skin folds trap moisture, food debris, saliva, and warmth, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to multiply
Deep facial folds in brachycephalic breeds and cats
Corkscrew or “screw” tails, which create a tight pocket prone to trapping debris
Excess body weight, which creates additional skin folds
Poor or infrequent cleaning of the affected folds

Treatments

Regular cleaning of skin folds to keep them dry and free of debris
Topical or, in more severe cases, oral antimicrobial medication
Keeping the coat trimmed around deep folds to improve airflow
Weight management to reduce excess folds
Surgical correction (removing excess skin) in chronic, severe cases

This condition is common in the following Dogs & Cats

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