What rash on dog looks like pimples

Rashes on Your Dogs Belly

Rashes on a dogs belly may look alarming and uncomfortable, but they are quite common. These dog belly rash bumps and redness you see can have a variety of causes, from a simple bacterial skin infection to a more serious underlying condition, such as Cushings disease.

If left untreated, your dogs belly rash could develop into an unpleasant skin infection that will require veterinary care and cause your dog discomfort.

Here is what you need to know about your dogs belly rash, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.

What Causes Dog Belly Rashes?

Your dogs skin protects his body from the outside world, acting as a barrier between his internal organs and harmful organisms. We might think of skin as being tough and resistant, but it is actually very sensitive to changes in both your dogs body and the environment.

One of the ways the skin shows this sensitivity is through rashes.

There are several causes of rashes in dogs:

• Skin infections
• Inflammatory conditions
• Allergies (which many times are genetic)
• Parasites
• Genetic
• Hormonal imbalances and endocrine conditions
• Environmental causes (such as poison ivy or other plants)

Infections

Sometimes cuts can open the skin barrier to infections. Many of the causes of rashes in dogs are the result of bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections.

Bacterial skin infections are called pyoderma, which translates from Greek to pus and skin. Pyoderma typically causes lesions that look like pimples and can also cause crusty, dry, flaky skin. Hair loss and itchiness can also occur.

Your dog can get pyoderma as a result of trauma to the skin, like an abrasion or cut, excessive moisture, or as a secondary condition. Puppies are prone to puppy pyoderma in areas without a lot of hair, such as their underarms and groin. Hereditary factors can also play a role in skin infections for both puppies and adult dogs.

Fungal infections, such as yeast infections and ringworm, are also common. Yeast dermatitis is a skin condition caused by yeast infections. It is also known as Malassezia dermatitis and is caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. Symptoms of this condition include thickened skin; changes in skin pigmentation; a musty smell; itching; redness; scaling, crusty, flaky skin; and chronic ear infections.

Ringworm is characterized by circular lesions, which can appear red and scabbed. Hair loss is common, and while these rashes are usually not itchy, they can become inflamed, and the condition can be passed to people and other pets.

Allergies

Allergies can also cause rashes on your dogs belly. Environmental allergies, like contact dermatitis or reactions to something on the ground like fertilizer, cleaning products, poison ivy, or other irritants, flea allergy dermatitis, and food allergies, food sensitivities, and food intolerance can lead to itchy bumps and rashes. When your dog itches and scratches, he opens his skin up to infections, which can lead to a rash or complicate an existing rash.

Allergies can have a wide array of symptoms, from digestive upset to skin conditions such as itchiness, hair loss, redness, irritation, and chronic skin infections. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog might have an allergy.

Pests and Parasites

Pests and parasites could also be the cause of your dogs rash. Fleas, mites, and ticks can cause irritation, exposing your dog to bacteria, yeast, and fungal infections. Demodex mites, walking dandruff, flea allergy dermatitis, and sarcoptic mange (caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite) can all cause rashes on your dogs skin, including her belly and groin area.

Genetic

Some dogs are more prone to rashes than others. Breeds that are predisposed to skin problems, such as Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Standard Poodles, may be at an increased risk of developing rashes on their bellies and elsewhere.

Golden Retrievers, for instance, can get a rare condition called congenital ichthyosis, which causes scaling of the skin on the abdomen. Arctic breeds, for example the Samoyed, can develop zinc-responsive dermatosis, and Cocker Spaniels are prone to primary seborrhea (dandruff).

Hormonal Imbalances and Conditions (Endocrine Disorders)

Most concerning, however, is the possibility that your dogs belly rash could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism or Cushings disease. These diseases cause hormonal imbalances in your dogs body, and some of the first obvious symptoms are often skin conditions, such as thinning or loss of coat and changes to the quality of the skin.

You can help your veterinarian catch these diseases early by observing your dog for any changes in coat quality, drinking and urination habits, as well as rashes, hair loss, and dry skin.

Symptoms of Belly Rash

Rashes on your dogs belly can present in a few ways. Perhaps the most common is pyoderma, which is characterized by pimple-like lesions; dry, scaly, crusty skin; hair loss; and itchiness.

Your dogs skin may also appear red and inflamed, weepy, or scabbed. Yeast infections can result in a yeasty smell, and fungal infections like ringworm often have a distinct, circular pattern to the lesions.

Find out more about the causes of dry skin on dogs

Diagnosing Your Dogs Belly Rash

The best way to determine the cause of your dogs belly rash is to make an appointment with your veterinarian, who will perform some diagnostic tests based on your dogs age, breed, overall health, and symptoms.

Veterinarians use skin samples, blood tests to detect underlying conditions, fungal cultures, antibiotic sensitivity tests, and in some cases, allergy testing to accurately diagnose skin conditions in dogs. Your veterinarian may refer you to a dermatologist for further testing and treatment.

Treating Belly Rashes

Once your veterinarian has diagnosed the cause of your dogs belly rash, she will discuss your treatment options.

Bacterial skin infections are typically treated with a course of antibiotics. Your veterinarian may want to perform an additional test to determine the best type of antibiotic to treat your dogs rash and avoid building up antibiotic resistance, and could prescribe you with medicated shampoos or scrubs to help manage the infection.

Yeast and other fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications and shampoos.

Allergies, depending on the cause, can be more difficult to treat, and may involve treating both the allergy and any secondary skin infections that developed. Your vet may recommend a dog skin soother balm to help ease the discomfort.

Conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushings disease, like allergies, require treatment of the condition itself and the skin rash. Your dog may require additional blood tests and follow-up monitoring.

In some cases, your dogs belly rash could be the result of a resistant infection, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is very important to follow your veterinarians instructions about treating resistant infections, and you will need to be patient, as it may take time for the infection to heal.

Rashes on your dogs belly are not usually serious, but they do require medical attention. As a note of caution, some rashes can be transferred to people, like poison ivy or ringworm, so be careful to avoid touching the rash yourself, and make an appointment with your veterinarian today to get an accurate diagnosis for your dogs rash and to ensure that he stays happy, healthy, and active.

Pimple-like Rash: 15 Skin Bumps That Look Like Pimples

Not all red spots on the skin are due to acne. Several other skin conditions can lead to rashes and bumps that look like pimples. These include folliculitis, rosacea, milia, keratosis pilaris, allergic reaction, eczema, molluscum contagiosum, and staph infection. Rarely, a non-healing acne-like bump may be skin cancer.

Before discussing the above-mentioned skin conditions in detail, lets briefly talk about acne.

Acne is a skin condition that can lead to the formation of pimples. Pimples are small bumps that occur due to clogged pores, inflammation, or the proliferation of bacteria.

These bumps can be whiteheads, blackheads, papules (red bumps), pustules (red bumps with pus), or big deeper red bumps called cysts.

They are usually not itchy; however, deeper red bumps can be painful.

Pimples are typically seen in teenagers, young adults, or with hormonal changes.

It is usually treated with topical antibiotics, exfoliants, and retinoids. In some cases, oral antibiotics, hormones, or Accutane may be prescribed.

Below you will find 15 skin conditions that can present with pimple-like rashes (or acne-like bumps).

1. Folliculitis

Folliculitis can result in red bumps that may be mistaken for pimples. In fact, folliculitis is a common cause of bumps on the legs that look like pimples.

These bumps occur due to inflammation and infection of the hair follicles and can affect any hair-bearing area.

If the infection penetrates deeper into the hair follicle, it can form a boil. Commonly affected areas include the face, arms, legs, and buttocks.

Types and cause

Folliculitis is of several types and the most common type is bacterial folliculitis (often occurs due to Staphylococcus aureus).

Another type of folliculitis called Malassezia folliculitis, occurs due to infection of hair follicles by a fungus called Malassezia. It can present with itchy acne-like bumps usually on the forehead.

As compared to pimples, bumps of folliculitis look the same. Also, pimples are usually not itchy.

Few factors can increase ones chance of getting folliculitis. These include skin injury, prolonged antibiotic use, heavy sweating, contaminated hot tubs, and certain medical conditions like diabetes.

Treatment

Mild cases of bacterial folliculitis may resolve on their own. Antibacterial washes may be helpful.

In some cases, topical antibiotics like mupirocin or oral antibiotics may be needed.

Malassezia folliculitis treatment includes washing the area with anti-dandruff shampoo. In some cases, topical or oral antifungals may be needed.

2. Keratosis pilaris

Bumps on arms that look like pimples may be due to keratosis pilaris.

This skin condition leads to tiny, rough, red bumps which may feel like sandpaper. It usually involves the cheeks, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. These usually do not hurt or itch.

Keratosis pilaris often appears at a young age, affecting children and adolescents, and typically clears up by the age of 20 to 30.

Cause

This occurs due to blockage of the hair follicles with keratin, a protein that is part of the outer layer of our skin. The exact cause of why this happens is not clear.

It may be associated with genetic factors or atopic dermatitis.

It can get worse in cold and dry weather.

Treatment

These bumps clear with age. However, few ingredients can help in improving its appearance. These include exfoliants like lactic acid, glycolic acid, retinoids (like retinol), and urea.

3. Milia

Ever tried popping small white bumps near your eyes? These pesky white bumps are not acne, but a skin condition called milia.

They can be seen anywhere on the face, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and nose. They are often confused with closed comedones which are a type of acne lesion.

Milia can occur at any age, and they are often seen in small babies as well.

Cause

Milia occur due to trapping dead skin cells under the skin which can harden, resulting in the formation of tiny hard bumps.

There are several factors that are associated with milia. These include:

• Prolonged steroid use.
• Autoimmune conditions.
• Sun exposure.
• Skin damage due to any injury, rash, or harsh skincare products.
• Genetics.
• Heavy skincare products.
• Procedures like laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion.
• In infants, the mothers hormones are thought to play a part.

Treatment

Milia are harmless and usually go away in a few weeks or months. Few ingredients can help in clearing them. It includes exfoliants like salicylic acid and topical retinoids like retinol.

If over-the-counter topicals do not work, your doctor can prescribe retinoids like tretinoin or recommend procedures like chemical peels, laser, or cryotherapy.

Do not try to pop them as that can injure the area leading to infection or scarring.

An allergic rash can also look like acne. Contact dermatitis is a rash that develops when the skin comes in contact with an allergen or irritant. It can lead to pimple-like red bumps, dryness, itching, or oozing. In some cases, it may form fluid-filled bumps called blisters.

In contrast to pimples, contact dermatitis can develop suddenly and does not present with various types of lesions as seen in acne. Moreover, unlike contact dermatitis, pimples are usually not itchy and do not form blisters filled with clear fluid.

Types and cause

Contact dermatitis can be divided into two types:

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs as a result of contact with an allergen. The common allergens are poison ivy, latex, metals like nickel, pollen, pet dander, molds, etc.

Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with an irritant that can damage the skin barrier. The common irritants are fragrances, essential oils, dyes, surfactants, etc.

Treatment

• One should avoid further contact with the allergen or irritant.
• Cool compress, antihistamines, and topical steroids may help in managing the symptoms.

5. Heat rash (Miliaria)

Heat rash aka prickly heat can lead to an itchy pimple-like rash. The bumps of heat rash are usually monomorphic, meaning they look the same. They are common in areas covered with clothing.

Heat rash is often seen in babies and young children although it can occur at any age.

Cause

These occur due to the trapping of sweat under the skin in hot climates.

Treatment

It does not require any specific treatment. Cold baths and antihistamines can help in reducing the symptoms.

Wear loose breathable clothing and avoid the use of thick and occlusive skincare products.

6. Ingrown hair

Ingrown hair occurs when hair that was removed by shaving, waxing, or tweezing, starts growing and curves back into the skin. This can irritate the skin and lead to the formation of red or pus-filled bumps.

Cause

This occurs due to the structure of the hair and the direction in which it grows. It is usually seen in people with curly or coarse hair.

Treatment and prevention

One can prevent these by avoiding the removal of hair. If you want to remove hair, avoid close shaving and shave in the direction of the hair. In addition, one can opt for laser hair removal.

At-home treatment of ingrown hair includes stopping hair removal and allowing the hair to grow back, use of exfoliants like salicylic, and retinoids like retinol.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic or steroid.

7. Rosacea

Red spots on the face that are not acne, can be due to rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is of 4 different types. Papulopustular rosacea can present with redness, broken capillaries, and red bumps.

In addition, there may be episodes of flushing or blushing in response to emotional stimuli, extremes of temperatures, or certain foods. It may be associated with an itching and burning sensation.

The red bumps (papules and pustules) can be confused with pimples; however, pimples are usually not itchy and are not accompanied by flushing or telangiectasia.

Certain skincare ingredients that may help in improving acne can actually irritate rosacea-prone skin.

Cause

The exact cause is not clear. Genetics, environmental factors, immune system, abnormal vessels, or Demodex mites may play some role in it.

Treatment

It is treated with:

• Topicals like metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin.
• In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

8. Perioral dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis can lead to acne-like red bumps papules or pustules, around the mouth. They can also appear around the nose and eyes.

They may be associated with itching and burning sensations. perioral dermatitis is commonly seen in females 20-40 years of age.

Cause

The exact reason is not known. It is frequently associated with topical use of steroids, steroid inhalers, toothpaste with fluoride, dental fillings, thick and occlusive skincare products, and hormonal changes.

Treatment

The use of steroids and thick skincare products should be avoided. Your doctor may prescribe topical (metronidazole, erythromycin) or oral antibiotics (like doxycycline, and minocycline).

Read more about perioral dermatitis vs acne here. For more details about perioral dermatitis, refer to this article.

9. Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that can lead to small white-, pink- or skin-colored bumps on the skin. These bumps have a central depression in them and are shiny or waxy in appearance.

In comparison to pimples, which are commonly seen in teenagers, molluscum contagiosum occurs most commonly in children. It can occur in adults with suppressed immune systems.

It can appear on the face, chest, back, or extremities (also on genitalia in adults).

Cause

It occurs due to a pox virus called Molluscum contagiosum. The virus can spread by direct contact with the bumps or contaminated surfaces. It can also be transferred via sexual contact.

Treatment

Molluscum contagiosum usually doesnt require treatment. They can take a very long time to disappear (up to 2 years in some cases).

Your doctor may recommend procedures to remove them like laser therapy, curettage, or cryotherapy.

Read more: Molluscum contagiosum stages, pictures and symptoms

10. Sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia can lead to skin-colored, white, or yellowish bumps on the skin. They are commonly seen on the cheeks or forehead and usually do not hurt or itch.

Cause

These occur due to entrapment of sebum in the sebaceous glands leading to their enlargement.

Treatment

They are harmless and do not require treatment. However, they can be treated with topicals and procedures.

• Over-the-counter retinoids may be helpful although prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin may be more effective in improving them.
• Oral isotretinoin and anti-androgens may help in shrinking these lesions
• In-office procedures may be done to remove them. They may include laser, electrodesiccation, photodynamic therapy, freezing, or excision.

11. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral infection that appears in three phases the appearance of red bumps, which form blisters, and eventually these scabs.

The new lesions continue to appear so you can see all three phases together. These are often associated with itching.

The rash may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, or headache. The rash is widespread unlike acne, so you can see the involvement of mucosal surfaces, palms, and soles too.

Cause

This occurs due to infection by a type of herpes virus called Varicella-zoster virus. The virus can spread by close contact or contaminated surfaces.

It can be prevented by a chickenpox vaccine.

Treatment

The rash usually clears on its own in 10 days to 2 weeks. In people with weaker immune systems or certain medical conditions, antiviral medication may be prescribed.

12. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It is often seen in children although it can occur at any age.

It can lead to redness, raised bumps, dry skin, and itching. In some cases, there may be formation of blisters. Constant scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infection.

The symptoms can differ depending on the age.

• In babies, redness and bumps are usually seen on the face, scalp, or limbs.
• In young children, it may involve flexural aspects like the front of the elbow or the back of the knee.
• In adults with chronic disease, it may present with dry skin and thickening.

Cause

The exact cause is not known. It is associated with genetic factors, skin barrier defect, or altered skin microbiome.

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. For mild cases, gentle skincare, short bath time, and barrier repair moisturizers may be beneficial.

In a few cases, topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or other topicals may be prescribed.

13. Swimmers itch (Cercarial dermatitis)

Swimmers itch can present with red bumps which look like pimples. They are usually associated with itching.

Cause

This occurs due to an allergic reaction to a parasite. One can get it by swimming in outdoor water bodies infested with parasites, especially freshwater lakes or ponds.

The parasite can burrow into the skin, but since humans are not the primary host, the parasite dies soon. However, the allergic reaction can last longer.

As compared to acne which usually occurs on the face, chest, or back, swimmers itch involves the body areas exposed to water. The areas covered with the swimsuit are usually not involved.

Treatment

The bumps usually go away in a week. Over-the-counter antihistamines may be helpful. If the symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe medication.

14. Staph infection

Staph infections are often mistaken for acne, as they can present with bumps that may look like pimples. These bumps can be small or large in size. They can be painful, warm to the touch, and may leak fluid or pus.

Infections by staph bacteria commonly result in mild skin conditions. However, sometimes they can penetrate deeper into the tissue, resulting in severe disease.

Cause

Staph infections are often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria may be found on the skin and mucous membranes, such as in the nostrils.

Although it is usually harmless, it may cause skin infections in some individuals. The risk factors include skin injury, a suppressed immune system, eczema, diabetes, and immune disorders.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an antibiotic-resistant form of Staph infection that can be resistant to usual treatments.

Treatment

Treatment of staph infections will depend on the severity of the infection. It may include topical, oral, or intravenous antibiotics. In some cases, surgical treatment may be needed.

Staph infections can be prevented by frequent handwashing, especially when touching injured or broken skin.

15. Skin cancer

Some types of skin cancer bumps can be mistaken for pimples, especially basal cell carcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer which arises from basal cells which form the bottom layer of the epidermis.

It can present as a skin-colored, pink, or red shiny bump. It is a slow-growing tumor, so if you see a pimple-like bump that does not heal, its best to get it examined by a doctor.

Cause

It occurs due to DNA damage in the basal cells from UV rays. It is commonly seen in areas exposed to the sun, especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, and trunk.

Treatment

It is usually treated with surgical excision in which the tumor along with healthy tissue surrounding it is removed.

Other treatment options include topicals, freezing, radiation, or curettage.

Key points

Rashes and bumps that look like pimples include keratosis pilaris, heat rash, staph infection, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, milia, sebaceous hyperplasia, molluscum contagiosum, folliculitis, swimmers itch, and rarely skin cancer.

One should see a doctor if the pimple-like rash involves a large area of the body, does not heal, is painful, accompanied by visible discharge or other symptoms like fever, headache, dizziness, etc.

References

Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

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