Solar Dermatitis in Cats

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                      General Information



Solar dermatitis is sunburn of the ears in white-eared cats.

Exposure to the sun initially results in reddening of the skin

and thinning of the hair on the ear tips.  Continued exposure

causes skin peeling and crust formation, and the ears begin to

itch.  Damage continues from both exposure to sunlight and the

cat's scratching.



Skin infections occur easily in the traumatized ear tips.  Some

cats develop skin cancer (squamous-cell carcinoma) in the damaged

areas.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Cats prone to solar dermatitis should be kept indoors and out

    of the sunlight, at least from 10 AM to 4 PM.  Sunscreen

    lotions help prevent recurrence.



2.  The ear tips can be trimmed surgically if hair loss has

    occurred.  The hairless portion is removed, leaving only skin

    that is covered and protected by hair.



3.  Medical therapy is sometime beneficial.  The doctor will

    advise you if this would help your cat.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your cat's condition worsens.



    * Your cat's condition recurs after apparent recovery.



    * Your cat's general health changes.