How to Fix Skin Fold Dermatitis in Your Wrinkle Face Dog

Our wrinkle faced dogs might just be the cutest things on the planet. But those adorable, wrinkly skin folds can also cause several problems for your wrinkle face dog-- especially in certain breeds such as English Bulldogs, Frenchies (aka French Bulldogs), Pugs, Basset Hounds, and many more of our squishy faced friends.  For these cute and cuddly canines, skin fold dermatitis (also known as intertrigo) can be a real issue, causing your dog discomfort and pain, and can also lead to infection in some cases. 

What is Skin Fold Dermatitis?

Skin fold dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin (derma- meaning skin, and -itis referring to inflammation). It is most commonly found in the facial folds, lips, vulva and tail folds, but can occur anywhere. If acute, it will only last a short period; however, if left untreated, skin fold dermatitis can become chronic.

What Causes Skin Fold Dermatitis in my Wrinkle Face Dog?

Skin fold dermatitis is caused by the friction of the skin folds rubbing against each other resulting in trauma and inflammation. As the skin becomes sore, it can also lead to an overgrowth of nasty bacteria or yeast, especially in areas that don't receive much air circulation -- something our beloved wrinkle face dogs are prone to. The bacteria and yeast release toxins which irritate the skin and are another source of inflammation and infection for your dog. 

Moisture retention is a crucial factor that promotes the growth of bacteria, so skin fold dermatitis occurs more commonly in the hot and humid summer months. You may notice a bad odor coming from between your dog's skin folds. Skin fold dermatitis also occurs around the lips due to saliva, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

While skin fold dermatitis is most common in dogs with a large number of skin folds, it is also associated with obesity or conditions that result in the thickening of the skin.

Signs Your Wrinkle Face Dog Has Skin Fold Dermatitis

There are five main signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function. If you are concerned your dog may have skin fold dermatitis, you must examine the affected area for any of these signs. As mentioned, you may also notice a foul odor coming from between your dog's skin folds.

Some affected sites have specific symptoms to look out for, dependent on the area in question:

• Tail Fold Dermatitis: scratching, biting, or rubbing; excessive licking near tail
• Vulvar Fold Dermatitis: Scooting, licking groin, urinary tract infections
• Lip Fold Dermatitis: Swollen, foul-smelling, sore lips; discolored or matted surrounding fur; scratching or rubbing
• Face Fold Dermatitis: Weeping sores, blisters or lesions

If an infection has developed, there may also be yellow or white discharge near the affected area. Chronic skin fold dermatitis may also present thickening of the skin as well as a darkening of the skin. 

How to Fix Skin Fold Dermatitis in Your Wrinkle Face Dog

For the mildest cases – which is the majority of dogs with skin fold dermatitis – simply keeping the affected area clean can reduce inflammation in your wrinkly faced dog. 

Squishface Wrinkle Paste and Squishface Wrinkle Wipes were specially designed to be extremely gentle on your wrinkle face dog's skin, while also thoroughly cleaning the affected area. Squishface products leave your squishy faced friends smelling and looking beautifully clean. Plus, the coconut oil in our products soothes inflamed skin while also acting as a natural water-repellent layer to help prevent future bacterial or fungal infections in your wrinkle face dog. 

Are Squishface Products Safe to Use When My Dog's Skin Fold Dermatitis is Infected?

Yes! Both Squishface Wrinkle Paste and Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are suitable to use if the site of your dog's skin fold dermatitis is currently infected. The wipes are especially useful for wiping away gunk that builds up from the bacteria and yeast growing in the folds of the skin.  The specially formulated ingredients in Squishface Wrinkle Paste and Squishface Wrinkle Wipes also help to soothe the affected area and reduce inflammation in your furry friend, and you may notice your dog stop constantly licking or scratching after using Squishface Wrinkle Paste and Squishface Wrinkle Wipes regularly.

The Bottom Line

Squishface Wrinkle Paste and Squishface Wrinkle Wipes help prevent infection in your wrinkle face dog, if your dog's skin fold dermatitis is already infected, you will still need to consult your vet for the best course to clear up the infection.  Yet another reason to use Squishface Wrinkle Paste and Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to keep your wrinkle face dog’s skin folds clean and prevent infection from forming in the first place, so get yours today!