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Skin: irritant contact dermatitis
Introduction
- Cutaneous inflammation in most cats exposed without sensitization required (contact hypersensitivity: sensitized individuals only).
- Much more common than contact hypersensitivity Skin: allergic contact dermatitis but still uncommon.
- Signs: pruritus, maculopapular dermatitis, usually affecting the sparsely haired skin in areas in contact with the irritant.
- Diagnosis: elimination of irritant and subsequent provocative exposure.
- Treatment: prevention of access to offending irritant.
- Prognosis: variable, may not be possible to identify and exclude irritant.
Presenting signs
- Pruritus.
- Erythema, macules, papules, pustules.
- Affects areas in contact with the allergen, particularly sparsely haired skin.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Cement dust, freshly laid cement, plaster dust, corrosive substances.
- Weed and insecticidal sprays, fertilizers.
- Shampoos.
- Cleaning products (soaps, detergents, disinfectants, carpet cleaners).
- Flea control products ( rare).
Pathophysiology
- Irritants (mainly chemicals) → skin injury.
- Damage to the skin causes irritation.
- Self-trauma with licking and scratching results in excoriation and pyotraumatic dermatitis.
- Crusts, hyperpigmentation and eventually scarring may develop if treatment is inadequate.
Timecourse
- Acute reaction over minutes to hours.
- Rapidity of onset and intensity of reaction depends on the nature of the irritant.
- Corrosive substances injure the skin immediately, less potent irritants need prolonged or repeated contact to produce irritation.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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