Any type of unusual growth on your Schnauzer’s body can be worrisome. Knowing the difference between normal growths and serious conditions is a necessary part of being a Schnauzer parent. One canine skin condition is so common with Schnauzers that it has come to be affectionately (or not) known as “Schnauzer bumps.” While the bumps are essentially harmless, it’s important to understand what they are, what causes them, and what to do about them. Here are the facts.
What are Schnauzer bumps and can they be popped or infected? Comedone Syndrome (or, Schnauzer bumps) is common blackhead-like skin condition that affects the Schnauzer breed. While they can be unsightly, the bumps are harmless. Rupturing Schnauzer bumps only aggravates the condition and increases the chance of infection. The condition cannot be cured, but can be managed with some effective treatments.
What Exactly are Schnauzer Bumps?
Also known as Comedone Syndrome, the “Schnauzer bumps” develop under the surface of the skin as a result of oil buildup on your Schnauzer’s pore.
The skin contains sebaceous glands that secrete an oil called sebum to keep the skin and hair moisturized. However, when the skin produces excess fat, the glands are blocked, leading to the development of Schnauzer bumps.
In short, they are the Schnauzer version of blackheads.
The rest of this article will explain Comedone Syndrome in detail and offer an overview of potential treatments.
If you want to review additional ways to address the condition, read my article 21 Surefire Treatments for Schnauzer Bumps.
While Comedone Syndrome is not very well understood, and there is technically no cure, it is also not harmful to your canine friend.
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What Causes Schnauzer Bumps?
The leading cause of Schnauzer Comedo Syndrome remains unknown. However, experts believe it is a result of an inherited dysfunction of the hair follicle that causes it to become blocked with keratin and oils and dilate.
Comedones develop as a result and may have the potential to develop into skin infections. While this skin condition is not life-threatening, it may affect the smell and appearance of your Schnauzer.
It’s possible to confuse Schnauzer Comedone Syndrome with other skin conditions as they exhibit similar characteristics.
It’s wise to check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the health of your Schnauzer’s skin.
These skin conditions may be confused with Comedone Syndrome:
- Skin allergies
- Fungal infection
- Ectoparasites
- Food reactions
- Flea dermatitis
- Bacterial infection
What Do Schnauzer Bumps Look Like and Are They Dangerous?
Comedone Syndrome can result in bumps that look alarming. They can often look like serious, potentially cancerous growths that need immediate attention.
The only way to rule out a more serious condition is to visit your veterinarian for a diagnosis that might even involve scraping the skin and analyzing the sample.
If the bumps are indeed due to Comedone Syndrome, you will probably become good at spotting them.
Appearance
The bumps are generally (but not always) dark in color because the oil buildup oxidizes when exposed to oxygen on the skin surface.
The bumps develop on your Schnauzer’s back and vary in appearance from one Schnauzer to another. Some are filled with pus, while others have an oily fluid that may ooze from time to time. The severity and frequency of occurrence also vary from one Schnauzer to another.
Harmless, Except for Infection
The Miniature Schnauzers are more likely to develop the condition as compared to Giant and Standard Schnauzers. Also, the bumps may appear sporadically or consistently.
Luckily, the bumps don’t affect your Schnauzer’s health.
It is possible, however, to disrupt the bumps during grooming, creating a wound that could become infected. Make sure your groomer is aware of any bumps and be sure to check the bumps for changes in appearance or any sign of infection.
Secondary Symptoms of Schnauzer Bumps
The bumps themselves don’t cause dangerous symptoms that should worry you. They can cause a few secondary situations, though, that you will want to be aware of.
Schnauzer bumps symptoms can vary from one Schnauzer to another, and even change over time. For example, our Miniature Schnauzer started developing bumps several years ago and yet only recently has begun to lose some hair around one of them.
These are some of the most common symptoms you should recognize:
- Hair loss
- Thick skin
- Itchiness
- Strong odor
- Redness and irritation
- Dark, rusty bumps at the back
- Raised wart-like or pimple-like spots
What are the Signs of Infected Schnauzer Bumps?
Infected Schnauzer bumps become itchy, may develop deep pus and abscess. If you note any of these symptoms, it is essential to visit the vet so he can recommend suitable medication for the condition. If the bumps are clearly infected, your Schnauzer will most likely need antibiotics.
In addition, consider consulting the vet if your Schnauzer develops new bumps. It’s always wise to rule out something more serious.
How Are Schnauzer Bumps Diagnosed?
A simple visual observation should help your veterinarian make a diagnosis.
He may also scrape the skin to obtain a sample for testing or clip a small section of your Schnauzer’s hair to examine the papules of your Schnauzer’s back. The test confirms if there is a plug blocking the sebaceous glands or the follicle of the hair. If the plug is filled with keratin and sebum or has a secretion, it will look like a small cyst.
The vet may also perform preliminary tests, including urinalysis, blood tests, and biochemistry, to help rule out the existence of other health conditions.
He may also ask the first time you noticed the bumps and the frequency of occurrence. Your Schnauzer’s sleeping conditions, diet, and environment also help determine the cause of flare-ups.
How Can I Treat Schnauzer Bumps (11 Effective Options)
Unless a more serious condition or infection associated with your Schnauzer’s bumps develops, you will most likely just want to treat them at home.
Your veterinarian may have additional medical suggestions in the event your Schnauzer’s condition worsens, but realistically, you will most likely be addressing the condition yourself.
Mild cases of this condition can be treated at home using the following options:
Monitor Your Schnauzer Routinely
Since Schnauzer bumps don’t have a defined cure, it is essential to visit the veterinarian for regular checkups. This my help you to keep the bumps at a minimum and eliminate the possibility of flare-ups. In addition, it helps to screen for more serious problems such as cancerous growths.
Keep a Short Coat
Consider keeping clipping your Schnauzer’s coat and keeping it short. Short coats allow the sun and air to penetrate the skin, killing and preventing the growth of microorganisms. If you usually visit a professional groomer, ask him to be cautious when grooming your Schnauzer to avoid injuring the bumps.
Bathe Your Schnauzer Frequently
Schnauzers with bumps should bathe frequently. Start with 2-3 times per week to start, then decrease when the condition is under control. Use an antimicrobial cleansing formula shampoo. It prevents the growth of additional microorganisms like fungi, bacteria and protozoa while removing dirt and excess oils that block hair follicles.
Treat with Shampoo
Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo
The chemical cleans your Schnauzer’s hair follicles and pores to remove any dirt and excess oils. Using the shampoo two to three times a week should prevent new bumps from developing. Frequent bathing is essential for the first two weeks, but it depends on the severity of the problem. For subsequent weeks begin bathing once a week. Allow the shampoo to settle in the skin for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off. Also, consider using a soft-bristled brush to very gently scrub your Schnauzer’s coat and skin to loosen debris on skin surface. Then use a natural shampoo to wash the rest of the unaffected areas of his body.
Dandruff Shampoo
Natural shampoos designed to treat dandruff and help to address the bumps and potentially keep the condition at bay. Ideally, choose a shampoo that is free from preservatives, chemical, and artificial colors to help breakdown skin oils known to develop into bumps.
Tea Tree or Oatmeal Shampoo
Quality shampoos containing natural ingredients such as Tea Tree oil or oatmeal are known to help with many skin issues, including Schnauzer bumps. They are also as safe for Schnauzers as they are for humans.
Apply Astringents
Witch Hazel or Rubbing Alcohol
Using an astringent to dry up the bumps can be effective. Witch hazel or alcohol is an excellent example of this kind of treatment. You only need to apply it topically on the bumps to prevent a flare-up.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide can also effective in treating Comedone Syndrome. Be sure to use it sparingly since it can dry out your Schnauzer’s skin over time.
Vinegar
White or Apple Cider vinegar are known to address and help to decrease bacteria. Using vinegar as a topical solution is another safe approach to treating Comedone Syndrome.
Soak in the Sunshine
Allow your Schnauzer to bask in the sunshine for a few hours during the day. It helps dry up Schnauzer bumps which is why they are less likely to develop during the hot, sunny summer months.
Change your Schnauzer’s Diet
Sometimes the condition develops as a result of food allergies. Switching to natural options and staying away from foods that contain fish, beef, and corn may eliminate the likelihood of recurrence. High-quality, raw food diet can help manage the condition. Some Schnauzer owners have observed a dramatic decrease in the comedones after changing to a raw food diet.
Vitamin Supplements
The supplements don’t treat, but control the condition. Vitamin A supplements are particularly useful when used along with a medicated shampoo that has benzoyl peroxide. A dosage of 600-800 IU/kg should help.
A daily dose of supplements that contain vitamins A, and E, omega oils and zinc can help to keep a Schnauzer’ skin healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids help normalize oil gland production of your Schnauzer’s skin and coat.
Consult your veterinarian before administering any kind of supplements.
Flea Treatment
Miniature Schnauzers with flea allergies are susceptible to Schnauzer bumps. Administering flea treatment after every eight weeks should eliminate the condition.
Accutane Rx
Miniature Schnauzers that have Comedone Syndrome are known to respond well to this drug. However, it is an expensive form of treatment and is effective of a small percentage of Schnauzers.
Antibiotics
If your Schnauzer’s bumps have become infected, she will need to be treated by your veterinarian. Your vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics for 2-3 weeks and then reassess the situation.
Recovering from Schnauzer Bumps
While Comedone Syndrome is not very well understood, and there is technically no cure, it is also not harmful to your canine friend.
However, it can cause Schnauzers to develop additional unhealthy skin issues and be challenging to diminish. Be alert to signs of infections or worrisome changes to the bumps.
With consistent monitoring along with a variety of treatment options, your Schnauzer can live a long and comfortable life with the condition.
And finally, from one pet parent to another, discover my all-time favorite resources designed to cover your every Schnauzer need. I’ve done the legwork for you so you can spend more time with the people and fur friends in your life.
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