Topical Treatment of Pyoderma
Darren Berger, DVM, DACVD, Iowa State University
Topical therapy for superficial pyoderma has been available for decades in veterinary medicine. With the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp infections,1 there is renewed emphasis on topical therapy as a monotherapeutic option rather than only a complement to systemic antimicrobials.
How do I treat pyoderma topically?
Topical treatment is an effective primary option for focal and generalized superficial pyoderma. Topical therapy offers several advantages, including:
More rapid lesion resolution
Minimal adverse events
Avoidance of antimicrobial exposure to bystander organisms in other organs
Potentially safer and more cost-effective therapy in cases of multidrug- resistant infections
Decrease in duration of antimicrobial administration when used in conjunction with systemic therapy2
As a result, there is growing interest in the veterinary community about how to appropriately implement topical therapy in patients.
How Do I Choose the Correct Topical Treatment Option?
It is important to individualize therapy for each patient and owner to maximize effectiveness and compliance. Two main factors—patient characteristics and product selection—should be assessed before pursuing topical therapy. Comprehension of inherent patient or owner constraints is as important as correct product selection. Key aspects to keep in mind when recommending topical therapy include:
Patient size, temperament, and hair coat
Infection site and severity
Sufficiency of a single product to treat infection sites or the need for multiple products
Ability and probability of the owner performing recommended treatments
Owner involvement in product selection to improve willingness to perform recommended treatments
Product selection should involve the following questions:
What is the effective active ingredient (Table 1)?
What method of application will best reach the site of infection?
How much contact time is required?
Does the product provide residual activity?
Related Article: Top 5 Topical Dermatologic Therapies
Common Active Ingredients for Management of Superficial Pyoderma
Skin irritation
Questionable efficacy
| | Benzoyl peroxide |
Comedolytic (follicular flushing)
Degreasing
|
Bleaching
Drying and irritating at higher concentrations (ie, >3%)
| | Chlorhexidine |
Residual activity
Not inactivated by orangic debris
Available in a wide array of formulations and concentrations
|
May slow wound healing
Ocular irritant
Contact hypersensitivities
| | Ethyl lactate |
Mild follicular flushing and antiseborrheic activity
Nondrying
| Questionable efficacy | | Hypochlorous acid |
Development of resistance unlikely
Mimics natural products produced by neutrophils
|
Frequent application needed
Use may be limited to focal lesions
| | Mupirocin |
Good wound penetration
Chemically unrelated to any other antibiotic
Excellent spectrum of activity against gram-positive cocci
|
Staphylococcal (S aureus) resistance has been reported; prolonged use should be avoided
Nephrotoxicity concerns regarding polyethylene glycol base
Formulations limited to ointments
| | Nisin |
Activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp
Available in large wipes
| Effect may be muted in the presence of Malassezia spp | | Silver compounds |
Enhances epithelialization
Good efficacy against Pseudomonas spp
|
Contact hypersensitivity reactions
Impedes granulation
| | Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) |
Broad spectrum of action, including multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria
Inexpensive
|
Potential to discolor clothing, furniture, and carpet
Skin irritation
|
Which Product is Best?
A review of topical therapies concluded that the best evidence of efficacy in cases of pyoderma exists with products containing either chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide.3 Studies have also indicated that a higher concentration of the active ingredient is not always better.4,5 These studies highlight the importance of formulation as it relates to antimicrobial activity of specific products. The concentration of chlorhexidine and benzoyl peroxide recommended at this time is 2% to 3% for both agents.3
Multiple products from numerous manufacturers are available for use in veterinary medicine. It is important to note the lack of efficacy and comparative studies for most of these products. Many companies rely on in vitro data to support the active ingredient choices. Additionally, most topical products are not approved as drugs through federal agencies. Formulation, potency, stability, efficacy, and safety of all available products are not always known. Thus, it has been suggested that products should be obtained from reputable companies with active research departments.3
Which Formulation Should I Use?
In the past, delivery methods were limited. Currently, there are numerous options to facilitate application of topical antimicrobial agents to the site of infection (eg, shampoos, leave-on conditioners, ointments, gels, creams, rinses, wipes, sprays, mousses). The most appropriate specific application is primarily based on the location and extent of the infection.
The most appropriate specific application is primarily based on the location and extent of the infection.
Shampoos are best in cases of generalized pyoderma involving the patient’s trunk and proximal extremities. In dogs with long or thick coats, clipping may be required to improve contact at the infection site. When a medicated shampoo is used, it is imperative that the owner understands the importance of contact time before rinsing. For most active ingredients, a minimal contact time of 10 minutes is preferred.2 Spot treatments (eg, ointments, gels, liquids) work best for focal lesions and hairless areas; wipes are ideal for intertriginous areas (eg, facial folds, lip folds, interdigital areas, perivulvar region); and sprays are beneficial for focal lesions or sparsely haired areas (eg, abdomen, ventral thorax, axillary area). Mousses offer a unique advantage in that they can be applied everywhere and used for either focal or diffuse disease; these products are an attractive option for cats averse to bathing.
Related Article: Topical Therapies for Skin Disease
How Often Should These Products Be Applied?
Bathing should be performed 2 to 3 times a week when used as monotherapy but can be performed daily. Frequent bathing should be continued for 7 days past resolution of clinical signs associated with the infection.2 Frequency may be decreased slowly over time. In cases of recurrent pyoderma, bathing may need to be continued weekly until the underlying cause is managed.1 In cases of canine atopic dermatitis, bathing may be continued indefinitely on a weekly to biweekly basis to prevent flare-ups in a patient’s condition.
For most active ingredients, a minimal contact time of 10 minutes is preferred.2
Other therapies (ie, sprays, wipes, gels, lotions) should ideally be applied once or twice a day until clinical resolution; these may be used twice a week for prevention purposes. It has been suggested that a minimum contact time of 10 minutes also applies to these products. To help adhere to these guidelines and prevent removal by the patient, the products may be applied at times when the patient can be distracted via walks or feeding.1
Bleach soaks are being used as a treatment option in some cases of multidrug- or methicillin-resistant infections. When performed, soaks are recommended 2 to 4 times a week for 10 to 20 minutes using a 0.06% to 0.19% bleach solution.6,7 Dilutions at the higher end of this concentration range are more likely to result in skin irritation. After soaking, bathing with a moisturizing or humectant shampoo is recommended to help prevent skin irritation and bleaching of the hair coat or household items.1,6,7 In addition to diluted household bleach, veterinary-marketed shampoos containing sodium hypochlorite as an active ingredient are available.
Related Article: Recurrent Skin Infection: Treatment & Owner Education
An alternative to bleach soaks may be a 0.011% hypochlorous acid containing solution marketed for topical treatment in veterinary medicine.8 However, a recent pilot study evaluating this product failed to demonstrate efficacy in treating canine pyoderma when used twice a day.8 Anecdotal evidence suggests the product may be more beneficial when applied to more focal lesions compared with generalized disease and when frequency of application is increased.