4 Essential Steps for Fast Healing of Cat Eczema Crusti
When it comes to feline dermatitis, it's a matter of either never seeing it or dealing with it repeatedly. Beyond ringworm, eczema is also a cause for concern! Feline eczema can lead to extremely itchy symptoms, and if left unchecked, cats may excessively lick their affected areas, resulting in moist, eroded skin, scabs, and even impacting their appetite and sleep quality.
Part 1: Causes and Symptoms of Feline Eczema
Feline eczema can manifest as either acute or chronic, with the primary causes including:
1. Cats with certain diseases, stress, or a monotonous diet over time, leading to weakened immune systems;
2. A damp living environment, which fosters an abundance of mold;
3. A dirty and poorly maintained living space, with infrequent bathing leading to poor skin hygiene;
4. Insect bites or exposure to external irritants;
5. Allergies to food, medications, pollen, mites, or other substances.
Symptoms of Feline Eczema:
◮ Acute Eczema: Red rashes or papules appear on the skin, forming small blisters. Once the blisters burst, the area becomes eroded and moist. Due to severe itching and discomfort, cats may chew at the affected areas, exacerbating the papule symptoms.
◮ Chronic Eczema: Chronic eczema often results from untreated acute eczema. Over a long course, the skin may become lichenified, thickened, with dandruff, scabs, and sometimes pus and ulcers. Although the affected area may seem dry, the itching persists, and can even worsen.
Part 2: Treatment Methods for Feline Eczema
Based on the pathogenesis and symptoms of feline eczema, the treatment approach should focus on relieving itching, inflammation, and desensitization, while also enhancing nutrition and maintaining a clean environment.
1. Maintain a Dry Environment
Regularly clean and disinfect the living space, ensuring it remains dry, clean, and wellventilated. If the indoor humidity is high, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the area dry.
2. Prevent Licking
Quickly fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from licking the affected areas, which can lead to further skin damage and infection.
3. Prompt Medication Treatment
✔ Mild – Regularly clean the area with saline solution, followed by iodine tincture for disinfection.
✔ Moderate – Use a saline solution, along with Pipette Antiseptic Spray and Fu'ant (Zinc Oxide Ointment), applied 23 times daily. The Pipette spray has antibacterial properties and forms a protective layer on the skin, reducing damage from bacteria and promoting skin repair. Zinc oxide has antibacterial and astringent effects, suitable for acute or subacute eczema.
✔ Severe – Use saline solution for daily cleaning, along with the Pipette spray and zinc oxide ointment topically, and oral chlorphenamine maleate tablets to block allergic reactions and alleviate itching. Be cautious about your cat's diet, avoiding allergenic foods or substances.
4. Pay Attention to Nutritional Supplementation
Administer Shiwei Bi (Composite Vitamin B Solution) and fish oil to your cat once daily. Vitamin B promotes cell metabolism and strengthens skin immunity, aiding in skin repair and healing. Fish oil has antiinflammatory and hairenhancing effects, also beneficial for your cat's skin repair.
During treatment, regularly deworm your cat and ensure environmental deworming to prevent parasites like mites and fleas from exacerbating the condition.