More about Allergies

Question
Hello. I have a mini schnauzer and he has these little red itchy bumps you often hear about down the middle of his back. The longer his hair gets the worse they seem.

I have recently changed his food to a wheat free and gluten free food to see if it is the wheat. It has only been a couple of days so I don't know if it will work yet. It seems to be a year round irritation.

You had mentioned not to use cortisone cream. Do you know of any creams that might work on these types of bumps? Granted you may not be able to advise me on anything like this but it is worth a shot.

Thanks


Answer
You should have a vet look at these to confirm that it is schnauzer comedo syndrome, otherwise known as "schnauzer bumps". Your description of red and itchy makes me think staph infection. http://www.dermvet.com/schnauzercomedo.htm

When I mentioned no cortisone, I was referring more to shots or meds from the vet; they should only be given as a last resort. I don't know about the cream (but I wouldn't want the dog to lick at it). Try putting something like Listerine (the mouthwash) on it. The link I put up above has some other suggestions, too.