Fold Dermatitis in Dogs

Fold dermatitis is commonly found in dogs with excess, wrinkly skin and is most often found in the face, lips, vulva, and tail folds. However, fold dermatitis can happen anywhere on your dog’s body where there is wrinkled or extra skin. Acute fold dermatitis is a case that only lasts for a short period of time, but if not treated properly it can become a chronic case which will need more intense treatment.

Fold dermatitis is a common chronic skin disorder that occurs in the folds of skin, especially in breeds with many areas of skin folds and loose skin. This condition occurs due to the moisture and heat that builds up in the folds of skin, which is a perfect breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and yeast. It is usually more common in the summer when it is hottest and can become bad enough to cause a bad odor and weeping from the area. Because the mouth is constantly moist from saliva, it is common for your dog to have this condition around their lips (lip fold dermatitis).

There are several types of fold dermatitis that each have their own set of symptoms. Some of the most common complaints are:

General Skin Fold Dermatitis

• Moist red areas in folds of skin anywhere on your dog’s body
• Usually affects the face, lips, neck, vulva, and tail folds
• Obese dogs are more at risk

Tail Fold Dermatitis

• Scratching, biting, or rubbing affected areas
• Rubbing behind on carpet or ground
• Excessive licking

Vulvar Fold Dermatitis

• Scooting
• Licking groin area
• Foul odor
• Red irritated skin
• Frequent urinary tract infections

Lip Fold Dermatitis

• Swollen, painful, and bad smelling lips
• Discolored and matted fur on the mouth with chronic lip fold dermatitis
• Scratching and rubbing face

Face Fold Dermatitis

• Painful weeping sores in skin folds
• Damp red areas of irritation
• Blisters or lesions

Types

• Acute cases only last for a short time; days to weeks.
• Chronic cases continue to need treatment for a long time, often over the course of many years.
• Tail fold dermatitis is most common in dogs with short and curly tails such as the Bulldog
• Vulvar fold dermatitis can happen to any female dog of all ages and breeds
• Lip fold dermatitis usually affects dogs with loose, hanging lips such as the Cocker Spaniel
• Face fold dermatitis is common in dogs with wrinkled, loose skin in the face such as the Shar Pei.

The cause of fold dermatitis varies depending on the type but it is usually a problem with poor ventilation, moisture build up and humidity. Allergies often play a role. Obesity is also considered to be a factor in some cases. Certain breeds are more susceptible, which include:

• Basset Hounds
• Bloodhounds
• English Bulldogs
• Pekingese
• Pugs
• Saint Bernards
• Shar Peis
• Shih-Tzus
• Spaniels

With any visit to see your veterinary professional, you should be prepared to provide your dog’s complete medical history and immunization status, if possible. The veterinarian will need to know if your pet has been on any medication or been ill recently as well. A physical assessment will be done first, to check your dog’s vital signs and overall body condition. In addition, a group of laboratory tests will need to be done which usually includes a complete blood count, biochemical profile, skin swab and scrape.

The veterinarian will examine all of your dog’s irritated areas.

Other diseases and illnesses must be ruled out and your dog should be tested for infections such as pyoderma or impetigo. There is usually no need for x-rays or other imaging in this case unless the veterinarian suspects an internal problem.

Chronic, recurring cases may warrant a biopsy. Some dogs will benefit from allergy testing; either a blood test or intra dermal skin testing.

The veterinarian will likely clean the area and apply a cream or ointment to ease the itch, pain, and inflammation. Clipping or shaving the area is also important in keeping the area clean and dry. In severe cases, especially with vulvar, lip or tail fold dermatitis, surgery may be suggested to remove excess skin.

Medication

Hydrocortisone cream, chlorhexidine gluconate wash, and ketoconazole shampoo may be used. Antibacterial ointment, wipes, and shampoos are sometimes prescribed. Antibiotics or antifungals are given by mouth or injection to treat infection.

Surgery

In severe cases, the veterinarian may suggest surgery to remove the excess skin folds that are causing the ongoing problem. Vulvar fold dermatitis is sometimes treated with episioplasty, which is a reconstruction of the vulvar area to remove the excess skin. In severe cases of tail fold dermatitis, removal of the tail is suggested to prevent the dermatitis from recurring. In fact, many dogs with excess skin such as Shar Peis and Pugs have to get excess skin folds removed to prevent the recurrence of fold dermatitis. This treatment is usually 100% effective in preventing fold dermatitis.

Your dog’s prognosis is good with treatment, no matter which kind of fold dermatitis he has. Unless there is a serious infection caused by the dermatitis, your dog should be completely back to normal in a week or two. If your pet has to have surgery, you will need to keep him on controlled activity for 10-14 days or until the stitches are removed. Cold compresses and pain medication will probably be suggested. Your vet may also want your dog to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from chewing or licking the area.