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Pyoderma
Pyoderma
simply means bacterial infection of the skin.
The
bacteria involved is usually a Staphylococcus species. There is normally a lot
of good bacteria in the skin and there are mechanisms and barriers on the skin
that stop them and the pathogenic (“bad”) bacteria from infecting the skin.
There are many problems which can disrupt these mechanisms and barriers and
allow pyoderma to occur
There
are several different types of pyoderma (surface, superficial & deep)
depending on what part of the skin is involved:
1. Surface
pyoderma: these are very superficial and are often moist; examples include
“hotspots” and skin fold pyodermas
2. Superficial
pyoderma: involve the hair follicle and epidermis; there is often hair loss
and occasionally pimples are seen
3. Deep
pyoderma: involve the deeper part of the skin and there are often ulcers and
sores
When treating pyodermas it is important to establish an underlying cause then
treat the infection. Antibiotics are often required and topical shampoo therapy
is a useful adjunct. The function of shampoos in treating pyoderma is to clean
debris and kill bacteria as well as improving the skin conditions to inhibit
further bacterial infection.
Some of the active ingredients in shampoos for pyodermas include:
-
Benzyl
Peroxide – changes to benzoic acid on the skin which kills bacteria
-
Chloroxylenol
– a broad spectrum antiseptic
-
Witch Hazel
– an astringent
-
Propylene
glycol – keratolytic, antibacterial and moisturising
-
Lactic Acid
– keratolytic, bacteriostatic and moisturising
-
Chlorhexidine
– a longer acting broad spectrum antiseptic
If you suspect your dog has pyoderma you’ll often need a trip to your Vet, but
the following shampoos are often a useful adjunct:
-
Pyohex
– contains chlorhexidine
-
Malaseb
– contains miconazole and chlorhexidine
-
Dermacool
– useful for surface moist infections eg hot spots, contains witch hazel,
lactic acid and chloroxylenol
-
Pyoben –
contains benzyl peroxide, used more in deep pyodermas in conjunction with
antibiotics
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