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Sphynx Kitten Skin Issues

Ginalmarie

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Sep 21, 2016
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Hi all! My name is Gina, and I have a 5 month old Sphynx kitten named Bagheera.

13707675_10157093132810705_1159724925544102157_n.jpg


He's a very energetic, playful, and loving kitten. He's had all of his shots, and is set to be neutered in the upcoming month. I have had no concerns about his health until this previous week.

I noticed red bumps and dark marks showing on his arm pit, shortly after, the same problem started happening under his other arm pit. Just a few days ago, I noticed a bubble-like appearance on his lower belly as well.

14358808_10157403804615705_1112409867577619787_n.jpg

This first image was a bubble a few days ago, and has since turned into a scab of sorts.

14441165_10157403804650705_4131805856091205569_n.jpg

These rashes under his arms were red and bumpy, but with Neosporin, the red bumps have gone away. The dark part is still very dark and noticeable.

I sent his stool to get sampled for a bacterial infection, and waiting on the results. He's been to the vet twice for checkups and shots, most recently about a month ago. I'm also planning on taking him to the vet about these skin issues, but I wanted to know if anyone had any insight. I can't seem to find either of these problems experienced by other Sphynx owners online. I'm nervous about my baby, and overwhelmed as to why this is happening to him! I clean him weekly, feed him well, and take very good care of him.

Any input/experience with these issues? Thank you!
 
Last edited:

Yoda mom

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Welcome to the lair family!Happy Bagheera gotcha!
Adorable !

Always best to vet check new kitties and good a good baseline
I am sure members will chime in

Looking forward to your journey with us!

Please Keep us updated

Does he sit in a sunny window ?

Sphynx Skin Conditions
 

Ginalmarie

Lairian
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Messages
7
Points
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Welcome to the lair family!Happy Bagheera gotcha!
Adorable !

Always best to vet check new kitties and good a good baseline
I am sure members will chime in

Looking forward to your journey with us!

Please Keep us updated

Does he sit in a sunny window ?

Sphynx Skin Conditions

Hi there! Thank you for the warm welcome! :) He's been to the vet twice, most recently a few weeks ago. He was all good when we got him checked out. And yes, he does sit in sunny windows. He comes to work with me every day, and loves to sunbathe in the window.
 

Yoda mom

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Messages
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Points
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We can't diagnosis since we are not vets but from my experience dark colored Sphynx can have pigmentation especially from sunning

I would move cat tree to indirect sun window or member shave installed window tint
Below is a pic of my adoptee Che day I adopted him
He had severe sun pigmentation that was diagnosed by a vet

It cleared up on its own but took months
No lotions , definitely do not use sunscreen

These kitties keep us on our toes :) even with all the best of love and care -
That's why I love the lair - we all learn and grow together and share things to follow up with your vet

Vet can diagnosis if pigmentation etc
Sometimes they can get yeast infections from litter
We have seen this sometimes with worlds best litter ,
Corn litters, walnut litter discoloration too

What litter do you use?
Just brain storming for things you can check with your vet
what areas of his body are discolored?

O near he goes to work with you :)
 

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GoldHazel

Gold Lairian
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Messages
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@Ginalmarie hello and welcome.

For some reason very dark colored sphynx cats have more dark pigmentation from things like the sun. No matter what color a sphynx is, too much sun is not good. We cannot put sunscreen on them because they will lick it off and that's toxic to a cat.

You can put UV protective film on your windows so he can still enjoy the sunny windows. You can put UV protective pet clothing on him (you can Google it).

Being that Bagheera has a lot of this going on in his armpits makes me wonder if either they are insect bites. Fleas first came to mind because fleas are heat seekers and his armpits would be the warmest part of his body.

Then I wondered if he's leaning on something a lot and irritating these areas or if he's possibly allergic to something such as your laundry detergent.

Do you find him getting sweaty a lot because he burrows under blankets or do you have a heated throw, heated blanket, heated bed that he lays in a lot?

I'm pretty sure that the dark pigmentation left in his armpits is from the red bumps leaving this behind. I would think that over time, it will fade if the red bumps, etc. are gone, but do keep him out of the direct sunlight.

There's been quite a number of sphynx cats on this site that had skin issues because they had food allergies. If this continues with no answers, you can have your vet do an allergy blood test which would be able to detect food and inhaled allergies.

What are you using to bath Bagheera?

Also, when I read about the bubbles on his belly that now turned to scabs, it makes me wonder about spiders. Spider bites can resemble a small blister/bubble in the center. Have you noticed any insects at home or at work and have you noticed him scratching or grooming himself in any of these areas?

What kitty litter is he using?
 

Hairless Blessing

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Welcome to sphynxlair, good to have you.
You've got great advice, he's a Handsome, little Gentleman.
Neosporin, is toxic to cats. I wouldn't use that anymore.
Wash, what, he, has on him, off.

The scabs, is definitely, not pigmentation.
But, the dark at his arm pits, looks like, pigmentation.
Could, he, have laid, on something, like, a cable box, game box,
anything, that, puts out heat?
That, can burn, them. They, do seek, these, items out.
For, the heat.

Anytime, you want, to, put anything, on him,
Google it, to see, if, it's toxic to cats.
Just, like, indoor plants, there, is so many, that are
toxic. I, would, keep him, out, of indirect sun.
HyLyt Shampoo, is excellent shampoo for Sphynx.
Hypoallergenic, easily rinsed. Google for best price.
31BmmqsXmjL.jpg
 

admin

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Staff member
Joined
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Messages
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Hi all! My name is Gina, and I have a 5 month old Sphynx kitten named Bagheera.

13707675_10157093132810705_1159724925544102157_n.jpg


He's a very energetic, playful, and loving kitten. He's had all of his shots, and is set to be neutered in the upcoming month. I have had no concerns about his health until this previous week.

I noticed red bumps and dark marks showing on his arm pit, shortly after, the same problem started happening under his other arm pit. Just a few days ago, I noticed a bubble-like appearance on his lower belly as well.

14358808_10157403804615705_1112409867577619787_n.jpg

This first image was a bubble a few days ago, and has since turned into a scab of sorts.

14441165_10157403804650705_4131805856091205569_n.jpg

These rashes under his arms were red and bumpy, but with Neosporin, the red bumps have gone away. The dark part is still very dark and noticeable.

I sent his stool to get sampled for a bacterial infection, and waiting on the results. He's been to the vet twice for checkups and shots, most recently about a month ago. I'm also planning on taking him to the vet about these skin issues, but I wanted to know if anyone had any insight. I can't seem to find either of these problems experienced by other Sphynx owners online. I'm nervous about my baby, and overwhelmed as to why this is happening to him! I clean him weekly, feed him well, and take very good care of him.

Any input/experience with these issues? Thank you!
Welcome @Ginalmarie ! Have you tried using a tad bit of coconut oil and a wash cloth and tried gently cleaning those two spots in the first pic? Could it be sebum (oil) build up? Th larger patches just look like pigmentation as others mentioned which is common, that area doesn't smell funky ? If not, that would rule out a yeast infection. :)
 

Ginalmarie

Lairian
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Messages
7
Points
24
Welcome @Ginalmarie ! Have you tried using a tad bit of coconut oil and a wash cloth and tried gently cleaning those two spots in the first pic? Could it be sebum (oil) build up? Th larger patches just look like pigmentation as others mentioned which is common, that area doesn't smell funky ? If not, that would rule out a yeast infection. :)

Hi there!! I have tried a little bit of coconut oil with this underarms, but the dark color is still there. I'm totally ok if he has the darker color, I just wanted to make sure that he's not having any discomfort! :)
 

Ginalmarie

Lairian
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Messages
7
Points
24
Welcome to sphynxlair, good to have you.
You've got great advice, he's a Handsome, little Gentleman.
Neosporin, is toxic to cats. I wouldn't use that anymore.
Wash, what, he, has on him, off.

The scabs, is definitely, not pigmentation.
But, the dark at his arm pits, looks like, pigmentation.
Could, he, have laid, on something, like, a cable box, game box,
anything, that, puts out heat?
That, can burn, them. They, do seek, these, items out.
For, the heat.

Anytime, you want, to, put anything, on him,
Google it, to see, if, it's toxic to cats.
Just, like, indoor plants, there, is so many, that are
toxic. I, would, keep him, out, of indirect sun.
HyLyt Shampoo, is excellent shampoo for Sphynx.
Hypoallergenic, easily rinsed. Google for best price.
View attachment 71212

Hi there! My coworker used to work in a vets office, and recommended Neosporin. I had also looked online and saw that it was okay to use on cats. I must not have done enough research specifically to Sphynx cats, though. I'll definitely check out that shampoo, thank you!
 

Ginalmarie

Lairian
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Messages
7
Points
24
@Ginalmarie hello and welcome.

For some reason very dark colored sphynx cats have more dark pigmentation from things like the sun. No matter what color a sphynx is, too much sun is not good. We cannot put sunscreen on them because they will lick it off and that's toxic to a cat.

You can put UV protective film on your windows so he can still enjoy the sunny windows. You can put UV protective pet clothing on him (you can Google it).

Being that Bagheera has a lot of this going on in his armpits makes me wonder if either they are insect bites. Fleas first came to mind because fleas are heat seekers and his armpits would be the warmest part of his body.

Then I wondered if he's leaning on something a lot and irritating these areas or if he's possibly allergic to something such as your laundry detergent.

Do you find him getting sweaty a lot because he burrows under blankets or do you have a heated throw, heated blanket, heated bed that he lays in a lot?

I'm pretty sure that the dark pigmentation left in his armpits is from the red bumps leaving this behind. I would think that over time, it will fade if the red bumps, etc. are gone, but do keep him out of the direct sunlight.

There's been quite a number of sphynx cats on this site that had skin issues because they had food allergies. If this continues with no answers, you can have your vet do an allergy blood test which would be able to detect food and inhaled allergies.

What are you using to bath Bagheera?

Also, when I read about the bubbles on his belly that now turned to scabs, it makes me wonder about spiders. Spider bites can resemble a small blister/bubble in the center. Have you noticed any insects at home or at work and have you noticed him scratching or grooming himself in any of these areas?

What kitty litter is he using?

Hello! Thank you for all of this great insight. OK let me answer your questions with bullets!
- He does sunbathe every day that I bring him into the office, I've been making an attempt to pull the blinds down so that he doesn't sit in direct sunlight.
- I think he does sweat, he loves to burrow under the blanket by my legs every night. The red bumps are definitely gone, but the dark pigmentation is definitely just as dark as it was last week.
- I use a Johnson & Johnson allergenic baby shampoo to clean him about once a week.
- The scabbing is completely gone, and must have just healed itself!
- I typically use Arm & Hammer clumping litter, but in the last month have started using a couple different kinds that I had coupons for >.<
 

Ginalmarie

Lairian
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Messages
7
Points
24
We can't diagnosis since we are not vets but from my experience dark colored Sphynx can have pigmentation especially from sunning

I would move cat tree to indirect sun window or member shave installed window tint
Below is a pic of my adoptee Che day I adopted him
He had severe sun pigmentation that was diagnosed by a vet

It cleared up on its own but took months
No lotions , definitely do not use sunscreen

These kitties keep us on our toes :) even with all the best of love and care -
That's why I love the lair - we all learn and grow together and share things to follow up with your vet

Vet can diagnosis if pigmentation etc
Sometimes they can get yeast infections from litter
We have seen this sometimes with worlds best litter ,
Corn litters, walnut litter discoloration too

What litter do you use?
Just brain storming for things you can check with your vet
what areas of his body are discolored?

O near he goes to work with you :)

it's very interesting that you brougt up walnut litter- I got a free bag from PetCo, and was using that when I brought him to work with me...
 

GoldHazel

Gold Lairian
Notable Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2013
Messages
12,083
Points
653
Hello! Thank you for all of this great insight. OK let me answer your questions with bullets!
- He does sunbathe every day that I bring him into the office, I've been making an attempt to pull the blinds down so that he doesn't sit in direct sunlight.
- I think he does sweat, he loves to burrow under the blanket by my legs every night. The red bumps are definitely gone, but the dark pigmentation is definitely just as dark as it was last week.
- I use a Johnson & Johnson allergenic baby shampoo to clean him about once a week.
- The scabbing is completely gone, and must have just healed itself!
- I typically use Arm & Hammer clumping litter, but in the last month have started using a couple different kinds that I had coupons for >.<

@Ginalmarie You are welcome. I'm glad to hear that the red bumps are gone. When broken skin and new scars are exposed to sunlight, it gets a dark pigmentation (for anyone or any hairless animal). It takes a long time to fade, but it's not a harmful thing.

If you get the HyLyt or AvenaLyt Shampoo, it rinses way easier than the Johnson & Johnson products...leaving no film to attract dirt and you won't have to bathe as often as once a week. The skin by his armpits may be a bit dry from the shampoo or being bathed once a week, which can change the pigmentation also.

I'm happy to hear that all the scabbing is gone too. I use Clump & Seal Lightweight Clumping litter and love it. I've tried most litters out there prior.
 

Alora345

Lairian
Joined
Jan 21, 2017
Messages
2
Points
2
Hi all! My name is Gina, and I have a 5 month old Sphynx kitten named Bagheera.

I also have a blue sphynx that had the same issue but worse. There is a shampoo called DermaBenss what it does is flush the animals follicles. Wash them 3-4 times a week and make sure all bedding is clean. They will seem dry at first but it's ok. I tried steroids from the vet changing diet litter. This is what worked for us.
13707675_10157093132810705_1159724925544102157_n.jpg


He's a very energetic, playful, and loving kitten. He's had all of his shots, and is set to be neutered in the upcoming month. I have had no concerns about his health until this previous week.

I noticed red bumps and dark marks showing on his arm pit, shortly after, the same problem started happening under his other arm pit. Just a few days ago, I noticed a bubble-like appearance on his lower belly as well.

14358808_10157403804615705_1112409867577619787_n.jpg

This first image was a bubble a few days ago, and has since turned into a scab of sorts.

14441165_10157403804650705_4131805856091205569_n.jpg

These rashes under his arms were red and bumpy, but with Neosporin, the red bumps have gone away. The dark part is still very dark and noticeable.

I sent his stool to get sampled for a bacterial infection, and waiting on the results. He's been to the vet twice for checkups and shots, most recently about a month ago. I'm also planning on taking him to the vet about these skin issues, but I wanted to know if anyone had any insight. I can't seem to find either of these problems experienced by other Sphynx owners online. I'm nervous about my baby, and overwhelmed as to why this is happening to him! I clean him weekly, feed him well, and take very good care of him.

Any input/experience with these issues? Thank you!
 

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lucylou

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Joined
Apr 12, 2016
Messages
6
Points
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I have been having issues with my blue spynix,Sent pics to my breeder!Dark spots started on her underside,mostly under her legs then everywhere!She said said try salsum blue shampo,thinks its a fungal thing!It is getting better !!Trying to upload pics
 

Catzzzmeow

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Messages
36,413
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Hopefully the pics will come through. We have seen that often the darker colored Sphynx have more pigment issues some are harmless.
 

Laurie walker

Lairian
Joined
Oct 16, 2013
Messages
1
Points
14
Hi all! My name is Gina, and I have a 5 month old Sphynx kitten named Bagheera.

13707675_10157093132810705_1159724925544102157_n.jpg


He's a very energetic, playful, and loving kitten. He's had all of his shots, and is set to be neutered in the upcoming month. I have had no concerns about his health until this previous week.

I noticed red bumps and dark marks showing on his arm pit, shortly after, the same problem started happening under his other arm pit. Just a few days ago, I noticed a bubble-like appearance on his lower belly as well.

14358808_10157403804615705_1112409867577619787_n.jpg

This first image was a bubble a few days ago, and has since turned into a scab of sorts.

14441165_10157403804650705_4131805856091205569_n.jpg

These rashes under his arms were red and bumpy, but with Neosporin, the red bumps have gone away. The dark part is still very dark and noticeable.

I sent his stool to get sampled for a bacterial infection, and waiting on the results. He's been to the vet twice for checkups and shots, most recently about a month ago. I'm also planning on taking him to the vet about these skin issues, but I wanted to know if anyone had any insight. I can't seem to find either of these problems experienced by other Sphynx owners online. I'm nervous about my baby, and overwhelmed as to why this is happening to him! I clean him weekly, feed him well, and take very good care of him.

Any input/experience with these issues? Thank you!
My experience with skin issues has always been food related. We had to feed grain free brand, I use blue . Some cats eat plants and that can cause skin issues. Hope this helps you both, love Sphinx
 
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