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Help! SCABS / rashes on face

SphynxRock

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May 6, 2011
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Hello everyone!
I'm new to posting here, and recently got my first sphynx.
He developed a new problem and I have no idea what it is. I first though it was dirt and tried to clean it, but it was very hard to clean. I even peeled a little and it came off with some hair, so I am not doing that anymore. The next day the rash got even bigger and darker. It's only in the area right below his nose. If it doesn't heal by Monday I will be taking him to the vet. Unfortunately there are no sphynx specialists here.

Does anyone know what this is, and how I can treat it??? I hate to see my little guy suffer and/or my other cats.

Thank you!


scabs.jpg
 

admin

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Hello SphynxRock and welcome to the Lair! If it is that black stuff below the nose it appears to be sebum (The sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate the skin and hair of mammals) which has collected dirt. Have you tried some coconut oil, rub gently, allow to soak in, then clean off with a soft warm, damp cloth. The coconut oil helps loosen the dirt. be careful not to irritate it any more than you have to. Also, be sure to use, ceramic, glass or stainless steel water and food bowls, plastic bowls can cause skin issues in animals see here also http://www.sphynxlair.com/f53/sphynx-skin-conditions-4236/. Always see your vet if you feel concerned!
 

SphynxRock

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Thanks for the help!

I have actually been using coconut oil when I wash him and baby shampoo. I never put the coconut oil on his face, but I finally tried it. The dark scabs did come off with some effort for the most part, only to form by next morning. Should I be using something else to control his oil/dirt?

My cats are only eating out of glass bowls too. Nothing has changed since I brought him home, except this dirty stuff on his face. Though he is starting to get some bumps on his skin too, but that is probably a separate issue.

Thanks for the welcome Boonecat & admin :BigSmile:
 

Big Hoss

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Mine get the same thing. It's just from not getting all the dirt/oil off there faces when you wash them....If It stays on to long, it will get irritated and sore...I rub a tiny bit of Coconut oil around there nose and let it sit a while before I bath them. They will lick some off but it wont harm them.....Good luck..
 

SphynxKid

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Sorry to hear you are having some issues - he is beautiful by the way! Good luck on getting that resolved, I hope everything works out okay.

Jen
 

SphynxRock

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Thanks everyone!

I think I figured it out, but seems like I'll have to wash his face on a daily basis. I think part of the problem is that he suckles on himself and creates a wet mouth area.

The other bumps he developed looked like hives, but they are drying up. I believe it was from a shirt that he was wearing, so shirt no more.

Here's a photo of Gizmo when he's all clean :)

265089_2143777196235_1300386280_2503473_1919850_n.jpg
 

SphynxRock

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Yep I would say he does have a sphynx personality. He actually likes to be held more than Gizmo does. He used to sleep in bed all the time until Gizmo came home. He's has a nice short and soft coat that doesn't shed a lot.

Oh and when I said I have a coated sphynx and an older cat..The older cat is a different cat. He's a Siamese mix, but he's all about relaxing all day and hiding. I figured a kitten should have a kitten friend :)
 

susi794

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Gosh, I don't know how I missed your original post. First of all. welcome to the Lair. I am so glad you found us and am looking forward to getting to know you, Gizmo, your coated sphynx and your siamese mix baby too! Glad you got the scab/rash thing resolved. Happy 4th of July!
Hugs,
Susi and the gang
 

admin

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Hi

I think I have the same thing, but please take a look at the picture and let me know if it is something else.

Thanks
'

Have you tried rubbing in a little coconut oil and gently washing that area? It could be just the natural oil staining the skin area there.
 

Chiquita44

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Oct 28, 2012
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Will try that with tonight's bath. When we went to buy her food last night at the vet, they said it could be cancer and daddy and I nearly fainted. We will try the coconut oil and see if that works.

Thank you so much
 

marilastrab

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Feb 26, 2013
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Hi, Im not a specialist but, Im having problems with my sphinx skin ether, I just went to the vet and he just told me that the rash on face is always an alimentary allergy. You should check it.
 
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