Skin Fold 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 some redness and irritation in the skin folds 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. šŸ™

I want to make sure I’m doing everything right to keep my Frenchie comfortable. šŸ¾šŸ’•Any quick tips or recommended products? Your insights would be a game-changer for us! šŸŒŸšŸ¤—

Thanks a bunch! šŸ™Œ Jim & tony #FrenchieHealth #DermatitisHelp

Skin Fold Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

Skin fold dermatitis in both French bulldogs and English bulldogs is very common.

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 includesĀ Dr. Kraemerā€™s Skinfold Care BundlesĀ 

Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX

Bulldog Skinfolds moist dermatitis infection Ultimate therapeutic bundle

Skin Fold Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs: LOCATIONS

  • FACE FOLDS
  • NOSE FOLDS
  • TAIL FOLDS
  • TOES FOLDS
  • FOOT FOLDS
  • VAGINAL FOLDS in female bulldogs

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/CAUSE:

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 skinfold moist dermatitis typically manifest with:

  • Discoloration
  • Smelly
  • Ulcerated wounds (pyoderma)

BULLDOG FACE AND NOSE SKIN FOLDS

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.

Skinfold XL Antiseptic Wipe French Bulldog Handout

BULLDOG TAIL SKIN FOLDSĀ 

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

BULLDOG TOE AND PAW SKIN FOLDS

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. šŸ¾šŸ‘£

Bulldog toe skinfold pododermatitis

BULLDOG VULVA 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 vaginal skinfold dermatitis

Skin Fold Dermatitis in Bulldogs: PRESENTATION

Typically, it manifests as a moist, red, inflamed, and often painful skin fold area.

BULLDOG FACIAL & NASAL WRINKLESĀ 

Include the nasal folds, facial folds, and folds under both eyes.

BULLDOGĀ  TAIL POCKETĀ  (bulldog corkscrewed)

A significant number of 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.”

Deeper folds exacerbate the occurrence of skin fold dermatitis, intensifying symptoms such as itching, pain, and unpleasant odor.Ā 

BULLDOG PERIVULVULR & HOOD FOOLD

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

BULLDOG INTERDIGITAL PAWS FOLDS

Bulldogs commonly exhibit thick, chubby paws and toes with deep folds that are susceptible to moisture. This condition bears a resemblance to the fungal or yeast infections known as “athlete’s foot” in humans.Ā 

All bulldogs with skin-fold dermatitis will suffer and present with some degree of inflamed, itchy, ulcerated, infected, and often painful skin folds.

Skin Fold Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs: PREVENTION

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, causing pain and discomfort for your bulldog puppy.

Bulldog Skinfolds Dermatitis Wiping: FREQUENCY

MILD FORM: For your bulldog puppy’s skin fold maintenance, I recommend wiping at least once daily; for milder cases, unscented baby wipes might be enough.

MODERATE: For moderate and more severe cases, it is recommended to use antiseptic wipes like Dr. Kraemerā€™s

Tail Folds with Skin Fold Dermatitis in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

Tail Skin Fold Dermatitis 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 HAIRY SKIN FOLDS

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

Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog Skinfold Moist Dermatitis: TIPS & WARNINGSĀ 

Bulldog Tail After Removal (Amputation)

Bulldog Skinfolds 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 wipe 360Ā° around the tailfold, 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.

Skinfolds XL 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.

Skinfold Dermatitis 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

Ā Bulldog Wrinkles 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.

Bulldog Skin Wrinkles: 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 Ā UTI Ā Bulldog Maintenance section.

Bulldog Wrinkles VAGINAL FOLDS WARNING

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

Skinfold Dermatitis PAIN WARNING

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

Recommended by Owner Approved by Bulldogs

 

Our Bulldog Community Prefers
ā€œPREVENTION OVER RXā€
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.

Related Products

Subscribe to our news