Miliary Dermatitis

The crusty papules on this cat's skin are often called miliary dermatitis because they have the size and appearance of millet seeds. This pruritic eruption is actually a cutaneous reaction pattern rather than a specific lesion. Although it can be caused by any number of diseases including atopy, food allergy, dermatophytosis, and pemphigus foliaceus, this common eruption is most closely associated with flea allergy. The papules are not always as visible as in this picture but can be felt under the hair coat.

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