How can I tell if Fred's skin/rash is healing?

[Martica and Fred]

I'm supposed to keep a lookout for the skin progress. Either he got a rash as a result of the antibiotic eye drops, or more likely, he got a rash because I washed his chest with soap (Ivory I think) and did it with a washcloth and probably left residue on him...for days.

First it was pink and hot with darker spots. Now it's all getting darker, still warm, maybe not as hot....Is the darker skin, instead of pink a reflectio of healing? Or is that worsening, it feels sort of hard...I'm wondering if the soap may have even 'burned' him a bit and that is actually a bit of scabbiness forming?

It's not spreading at least...haven't put anything on it, afraid too, but occasionally put some cool water on it, he seems to like that.

My poor baby, and stupid me.

But does that sound like healing or worsening--the darker skin?

 

[Larry and Kitties]

To me it sounds like it is healing. The darkening could be due to small scabs forming. Is he scratching it?

 

[Martica and Fred]

Fred doesn't scratch anymore...could be the arthritis, he doesn't contort himself up, so, no. He also doesn't lick much, only his paws and face and not very well. When he was getting the subQ fluids last year he started licking himself a lot again, so I guess it's a dehydration issue. But for now the fluids are not good for his heart disease.

It feels less hot to the touch, so hopfeully that's a good sign. It's pretty awful looking, all his fur fell off the area. Poor baby.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Poor Fred, Sending prayers that this is on the healing side of health. Poor lil guy.
jeanne

 

[Jayne & Sweety]

Awww. poor baby.
When Sweety had a rash, of course I came here and read thru lots of old posts.
I think it turned out to be from soy. As I have learned here, many cats get a rash from food allergies. Since I switched her food, it's gone. Took a while (again, as I learned here).
Also, there are itch sprays you can get at PetSmart. It seemed to help.
You know it's not fleas, right? Sometimes a cat, and Sweety is in this group too, can be allergic to the flea salivia - it can be only ONE flea that can cuse the rash, the "hot spot" kind.

Hope Fred's better soon.