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Phytosphingosine is naturally occurring lipid compound on the outer layer of the skin of dogs and cats. It is produced by the break down of wax-like compounds secreted by glands within the deep layers of skin. This break down occurs via the skin’s natural flora, a population of good bacteria and yeast that are a normal component to normally functioning, healthy skin. Phytosphingosine subsequently forms a transparent layer that protects the skin against drying, ultraviolet damage, harmful bacteria and yeast, and antigens that may trigger allergy.
Following a major inflammatory episode of the skin that may involve infection, allergic skin disease, parasitic infestation, autoimmune disease, or other diseases of the skin, despite resolution of disease, to varying degrees the skin’s ability to maintain the protective phytosphingosine layer becomes compromised for some time (as long as 3-6 months). Subsequently, although treatment for the resolution of skin disease may have proven successful, the canine or feline patient is often prone to relapses of disease for prolonged periods of time.
Thus, the inclusion of phytosphingosine as a natural prevalent ingredient to our canine and feline therapeutic shampoos has proved to be an invaluable, side effect free tool in the treatment of any number of skin diseases.
With few exceptions, phytosphingosine based shampoos are excellent adjunctive topical skin diseases, including (but not limited to):
- Skin infections that do not involve puncture or deep ulceration of the skin
- Allergic skin disease
- Hair loss
- Itching
- Redness/irritation
- Mange
- Autoimmune disease
Even in the absence of disease of the skin, a phytosphingosine based maintenance, conditioning shampoo helps to maintain a full, shiny, healthy hair coat.
As the largest organ of the body, maintaining healthy skin is essential to maintaining optimal health and quality of life. Phytosphingosine is a proven natural compound that aids in the maintenance of a healthy skin and hair coat.
Dr. Roger Welton is a practicing veterinarian and highly regarded media personality through a number of topics and platforms. In addition to being passionate about integrative veterinary medicine for which he is a nationally renowned expert, Dr. Welton was also an accomplished college lacrosse player and remains to this day very involved in the sport. He is president of Maybeck Animal Hospital , runs the successful veterinary/animal health blogs Web-DVM and Dr. Roger’s Holistic Veterinary Care, and fulfills his passion for lacrosse through his lacrosse and sport blog, The Creator’s Game.
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