Hi againCustomer

What you are describing with the little red pimples on your Poodle's chin sounds like chin acne. This is caused by a bacterial infection. The little red bumps are filled with pus and bacteria - just like human acne.

The big question is WHY does she have them, and what can you do to get rid of them?

There are a number of underlying things that can cause this chin acne. It is fairly common in Poodles because of their sensitive skin and sometimes underlying allergies. We also see a lot of dental problems in this breed, which means they can have a lot of bacteria in the mouth, which then can make this more likely.

The things that I would check for if your poodle came to see me are:

1. Her dental health. If your girl has a lot of tartar and calculus on her teeth and has developed gingivitis (inflamed gums) as a result, it may be that this number of bacteria in her mouth is leading to her chin acne. Treating the chin acne without addressing the dental issues would be a losing battle in this case.

2. Demodex (a common mange mite) by doing a skin scraping. Here's information about this mite:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_demodectic_mange.html

http://www.sniksnak.com/doghealth/demodecticmange.html

It is treatable with either an ointment applied to the area, or with Ivermectin (found in Heargard).

3. Yeast infection (malassezia) - common in areas of damp, warm skin like the chin (it may get wet every time she has a drink). Treatable with topical anti-fungal wipes or pills.

http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/dermatology/Malassezia%20dermatitis.htm

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1557&articleid=321

4. Ringworm http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1557&articleid=471 Treatable with topical medication, medicated shampoo or pills.

Any of these 3 things could be a contributing, underlying cause of what is now also a bacterial infection. All of these things respond well to medication. Of course, it is a different medication for each one, which is why testing is needed.

If it is fairly mild, it may respond well to just topical treatment for the bacterial infection. I would suggest that you try:

1. Pyoben shampoo on the area twice daily (http://www.medi-vet.com/Pyoben.aspx ) for a week.

2. Topical antibiotics - I usually prescribe something called mupiricin ointment, which is by prescription only. Also called Bactroban.

3. Wash the area 3 times daily with an antibacterial soap. I recommend Hibitane soap (also called chlorhexidene soap). In Canada and the USA it is available in pharmacies in the skin care of first aid section and is called Hibitane. Ask the pharmacist. Mix the soap 1 tablespoon per cup of warm water. Scrub the affected area, and hold a hot compress on there for 5 minutes if your dog let you. Do this 3 times daily for 3 days, then twice daily for the rest of the week. Rinse well with plain water. Pat dry.

Sometimes, mild chin acne can progress to something called "deep folliculitis and furunculosis of the chin". This needs more aggressive treatment. It needs oral antibiotics (likely for 4-6 weeks) as well as treatment for the underlying issue (Demodex, malassezia, ringworm, as discussed above) if one is found. In rare cases that don't respond to treatment, culture and biopsy may be needed.

Here are some links to deep folliculitis and furunculosis:

http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/health/acne.htm

http://www.dogsworldwide.com/articles/rm1.htm

http://books.google.com/books?id=VKa2Wo3Wc-kC&pg=PA436&lpg=PA436&dq=chin+furunculosis+dog&source=web&ots=Gb6wr9zx4a&sig=J6lCirtQuTCJ-mUGBA55g_ly-78

Also, you mentioned that your Poodle has been chewing between her toes and that it is red there. This sounds like Interdigital dermatitis (pododermatitis) - This is an inflammation of the skin between the toes on the top of the foot and between the pads on the bottom of the foot. It can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast, bacteria or both.

There are commonly yeast and bacteria living in small numbers on the skin surface. When a dog starts licking or chewing at one spot, she opens up little scratches in the skin surface, and the yeast and bacteria invade there. The fur stays wet, which keeps the area moist and warm - just the kind of place that bacteria like to grow! As the bacterial numbers increase, the scratches get infected and ITCHY! The dog chews more... and soon a larger area of red, raw, weeping infection can occur.

Now as to WHY a dog gets this - it can be because of underlying allergies, but in that case, all 4 feet are usually affected.

Here is more about interdigital dermatitis: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/pododermatitis-interdigital-dermatitis/page1.aspx

You can help her feet to feel better by doing washes of them with the Hibitane soap as described above for her chin.

If she is not improving, you will need to see your vet to find out what the underlying problem may be, and perhaps to get some antibiotics for her to take.

I hope that this has been helpful. If it has, please hit the green "Accept" button and leave feedback. I will still be here to provide more information if you need it. And please let me know how your dog does!

Fiona