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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Skunk Spray Cause Skin Irritation?

Hi All! Hope you can help. Four nights ago, was within 10 feet of a skunk when it sprayed (my dog). I was wearing knee length pants. The next morning, I noticed what I thought was bruising on the botton of my calf. No red or dark skin though, just pain when touched. Yesterday morning, I noticed that my skin had turned red, and hot to the touch. This morning, it seems to have spread to my claf on the other leg, Yikes! Is this maybe an irritation due to the skunk?
Wed, 10 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Thanks for contacting HCM

I am really sorry to hear you and your dog got sprayed by a skunk. The smell must be terrible. The skunk oil that is sprayed is actually a sulfa based oil and frequently will cause irritation to the skin and if it gets in the eyes cause temporary blindness. I assume you have already washed the area as much as possible. I would then add a topical steroid cream like Hydrocortisone. If these measures don't reduce the redness then a more powerful steroid ointment or cream from you doctor may reduce the irritation

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Can Skunk Spray Cause Skin Irritation?

Thanks for contacting HCM I am really sorry to hear you and your dog got sprayed by a skunk. The smell must be terrible. The skunk oil that is sprayed is actually a sulfa based oil and frequently will cause irritation to the skin and if it gets in the eyes cause temporary blindness. I assume you have already washed the area as much as possible. I would then add a topical steroid cream like Hydrocortisone. If these measures don t reduce the redness then a more powerful steroid ointment or cream from you doctor may reduce the irritation Hope this answers your question. Please contact us again with your questions.