Wrinkles Dermatitis In Bulldogs And French Bulldogs

By: Dr. Roy Kraemer |
DVM, Bulldog Specialist Veterinarian

Hi Dr. Kraemer, I’ve noticed something concerning with my Frenchie, Daisy. Recently, I’ve observed redness and irritation of her wrinkles around her face and nose. Despite my best efforts to keep her clean, it’s becoming a persistent issue.and I’m reaching out to you for some expert guidance. 🙏

🐾💕Any quick tips or recommended products? Your insights would be a game-changer for us! 🌟🤗

Thanks a bunch! 🙌 Jim & tony #FrenchieHealth #DermatitisHelp

Introduction To Bulldog and French Bulldog Wrinkle Infection Dermatitis

Skinfold moist dermatitis is very common among Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, leading to infection, itching, and pain. It arises in the dampness and moisture of skinfolds, which provide a hospitable habitat for skin bacteria and yeast microorganisms. Bulldog wrinkles are interchangeably called skinfolds, skin rolls, and skin ropes.

BULLDOG MOST COMMON WRINKLES LOCATION:

  • FACE FOLDS
  • NOSE FOLDS
  • TAIL FOLDS
  • TOES FOLDS
  • FOOT FOLDS
  • VAGINAL FOLDS

At times, other moist areas are mired with the bulldog skin fold moist dermatitis condition, such as:

  • INGUINAL
  • AXILLARY (armpits)
  • NECK
  • EAR FOLDS

 

Skin Fold Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

 

Bulldog Skinfold Dermatitis 5 X MUST KNOW

  1. Skinfold dermatitis is common in the face, nose, paw, tail, and vaginal area.
  2. Skinfolds trap moisture. The dampness becomes hospitable to bacteria and yeast.
  3. The inflammation and infection present as raw redness are itchy, smelly, and painful
  4. Treatment includes antiseptic therapeutics (wipes, rinse, spray, lotion)
  5. Prevention includes Dr. Kraemer’s Skinfold Care Bundles 

Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX

Bulldog Skinfolds moist dermatitis infection Ultimate therapeutic bundle

What The Cause Of Bulldog Wrinkle Infection?

In areas with deep dermal folds, the warm, humid, and moist conditions provide an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and yeast.  The infection tends to exacerbate the existing inflammation. Severe cases of bulldog skinfold moist dermatitis typically manifest with:

  • Discoloration
  • Smelly
  • Ulcerated wounds (pyoderma)

What Are The Most Common Wrinkle Dermatitis Locations:

There are many locations on your bulldog folded skin where the infection can occur and there are various degrees of severity. Below are the most common ones:

1. BULLDOG FACE AND NOSE  WRINKLES DERMATITIS

The distinctive folds around your Bulldog’s head are a direct result of selective breeding that emphasizes and popularizes the “flat head” or brachycephalic shape. The compression of facial bones contributes to the characteristic rolls of loose nasal and facial skin folds in brachycephalic breeds.

Fr Bulldog Antiseptic Skin fold XL Wipe

2. BULLDOG TAIL POCKET DERMATITIS

The tail folds in your Bulldog and French Bulldog are a result of abnormal growth of the last vertebral bones (tail bones), causing bending and twisting of the tail. This gives rise to the distinctive corkscrew formation and the presence of a deep tail pocket.

Bulldog severe corkscrew tail skin fold dermatitis

3. BULLDOG TOE AND PAW SKINFOLDS DERMATITIS

The chubby webbed toes can contribute to moisture retention and irritation.

Additionally, traumatic implantation and webbing can damage the hair follicles and shafts, pushing them in the wrong direction. This process can result in injury, inflammation, and the formation of a “bulldog interdigital cyst.” Proper care and attention to these areas are crucial for preventing such issues. 🐾👣

Bulldog toe skinfold pododermatitis

4. BULLDOG HOODED VULVA AND VAGINAL SKIN FOLDS

The presence of deep skin folds around the lower parts, coupled with a hooded vulva on top, can potentially contribute to chronic diseases and recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).

French Bulldog ulcerative hooded vulva

What are The Symptoms of Bulldog Wrinkles Dermatitis?

It manifests as a moist, red, inflamed, and often painful skin fold area. Depending on the location and intensity the symptoms might vary:

1. BULLDOG  TAIL POCKET SYMPTOMS

Many English and French bulldog puppies may experience abnormal tailbone growth, resulting in the twisting of the skin around and under the sacral vertebrae. This condition creates a deep, painful, and potentially infected “pocket.”

  • unpleasant odor
  • sudden head turns to the back end
  • scooting
  • Severe Cases: Illness and draining tracts

Deeper folds exacerbate the occurrence of skin fold dermatitis

ulcerative tail pocket dermatitis

2. BULLDOG PERIVULVULR & HOOD FOOLD DERMATITIS SYMPTOMS

It’s important to note that female English and French bulldog puppies may experience vaginal skin fold dermatitis. This condition can sometimes go unnoticed due to the “tucked-in” and hidden anatomy of these breeds.

3. BULLDOG INTERDIGITAL PAW PRODODERMATITIS 

Bulldogs commonly exhibit thick, chubby paws and toes with deep folds that are susceptible to moisture. Toe Skin-fold dermatitis (Pododermatitis) can bear resemblance to the fungal or yeast infections known as “athlete’s foot” in humans.

  • redness
  • moisture
  • licking paws
  • skin discoloration
  • blistery cysts

In some cases, it can present with interdigital cysts

bulldog inflamed interdigital cysts question

How to Prevent Wrinkle Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs?

Ensuring the dryness and health of your English bulldog and French bulldog puppies’ folds is crucial.

Neglecting proper care can lead to infections with bacteria and yeast

1. FREQUENT CLEAN WITH ANTISEPTIC BULLY WIPE

  • MILD FORM: I recommend wiping daily for your bulldog puppy’s skin fold maintenance.
  • MODERATE and SEVERE: might require more than one wipe a day

Bulldog antiseptic skinfold wipe XL

2. WRINKLE THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS

You can combine topical cleaning with Bully therapeutics that help repair the skin barrier, improve a balanced skin microbiome, enhance skin immunity, and reduce inflammation.

bulldog skin and coat brewers dried yeast

 

BULLDOG HAIRY WRINKLED SKINFOLDS THERAPEUTICS

For areas with dense hair like the neck, top of the tail, facial folds, and challenging-to-reach or larger surfaces such as the inguinal, belly, and axillary regions prone to bulldog moist dermatitis, consider Dr. Kramer’s skin fold bundles. These bundles include the Bully Skinfold antiseptic spray, lotion, and rinse, providing a more convenient and efficient solution for care.

For the V4B Bulldog Skinfold Antisetpic Economic Bundles click HERE

Bulldog Wrinkle Ultimate Bundle

Wrinkle Moist Dermatitis In Bulldog TIPS & WARNINGS :

Below is a short list of bulldog skinfold dermatitis tips and warnings courtesy of Dr. Kraemer

#1. BULLDOG TAIL ANATOMY TIP:

Caring for tail folds requires a hands-on approach rather than relying solely on visual inspection. Familiarize yourself with the curvatures and depth of the folds using your fingers.

Use a medicated wipe or cotton ball to gently clean 360° around the tail fold, ensuring thorough cleaning and reaching as deep as possible.

In some cases, the folds may be multi-layered, forming a corkscrew shape that requires attention to detail during cleaning.

#2. BULLDOG ANTISEPTIC WIPES TIP

Dr. Kraemer’s uniquely formulated Bully Antiseptic Skin Fold XL Wipes are ready-to-use, extra-large, economical, anti-yeast, anti-septic, and convenient wipes, which makes them especially attractive and desirable to every bulldog and French bulldog owner.

#3. TAIL POCKET SURGICAL TIP:

Owners often hesitate to contemplate surgery, weighed down by both health and cosmetic concerns. However, without exception, once the procedure is completed, they express gratitude. Even years later, they vividly recall the relief from the notorious “funky odor,” the arduous daily cleaning routine, and the alleviation of their bulldog’s suffering.

Bulldog Tail After Removal (Amputation)

#4. WRINKLE INFLAMMATION OMGA FISH OIL TIP

To address typical skin-fold moist dermatitis, consider incorporating an Omega EFA Fish oil supplement such as

This supplement boasts anti-inflammatory properties and is conveniently available in an economical, palatable soft chew treat, making administration easy for your bulldog puppy.

Bulldog skinfold moist Dermatitis Fish Oil therapy

#5. WRINKLE INFECTION PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TIP

You can seal folds from moisture with medical powder (Neo-Pred), bacterial ointment (Derma-Vet), over-the-counter cortisone, baby rash ointments, and even powder, like GoldBond, to prevent moisture accumulation.

#1. WRINKLE URINARY TRACT INFECTION WARNING

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in bulldog and French bulldog puppies can occur as a consequence of vaginal skin-fold infection, as the bacteria from the fold ascends into the urinary tract. You can find more about this potential complication in Dr. Kraemer’s  UTI  Bulldog Maintenance section.

#2. BULLDOG WRINKLES VAGINAL FOLDS WARNING

For vaginal-fold dermatitis, which leads to chronic persistent UTI, I recommend surgical removal of those folds (episoplasty, vaginoplasty).

#3. SKINFOLD DERMATITIS PAIN WARNING

Severe, poorly controlled tailfold dermatitis is very painful for the dog and becomes very difficult to manage.

Recommended by Owner Approved by Bulldogs

 

Our Bulldog Community Prefers
“PREVENTION OVER RX”
Unlock The Benefits

Visit Our Shop

The information provided on this platform is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian regarding any medical condition. It's important to always consider professional medical advice promptly and not to delay seeking it based on information you've read on this platform. Any reliance on the information provided here is entirely at your discretion.

[]