Pediatric dermatology

Canine acne is a disorder of follicular keratinization and therefore more closely related to seborrhea than to pyoderma. It is believed that there is a familial component to the disorder, with certain breeds being overrepresented.(7) Clinical signs are variable, but the classic presentation is one of papulonodular chin lesions seen in a dog at the time of sexual maturity. The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of history and clinical signs but can be confirmed by histopathology if required. In most cases, the condition improves spontaneously as the animal gets older, but some dogs have perpetual lesions. Treatment is based on the severity of the lesions. In mild cases that do not spontaneously resolve, gentle cleansing of the lesions with benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine is warranted. For deeper acne and associated furunculosis or cellulitis, concurrent use of bactericidal antibiotics is indicated. Cortico-steroids administered both intralesionally and orally may be needed to combat acne with an aggressive inflammatory component. Finally, retinoids such as topical tretinoin or oral isotretinoin may be needed to address severe keratinization disorders.