Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 5/30/2008

Question
My 9 1/2 month old kitten has a weird skin infection looking thing on his chin. There is no blood; just tiny black crusty things and some very small raw-looking spots. Unfortunately I can't get a picture of it, since he won't hold still, but do you have any idea what I can do about it? He is an indoor cat, no fleas, ticks, etc. Please help!

Answer
This is chin acne.  The best way to treat it is to shave the hair very short and use rubbing alcohol on it with a gauze pad once a day to dissolve the keratin plugs.  Also an antibiotic called clindamycin may help if it is infected with bacteria.  Check with your vet.