Why did my senior dog's black, oily skin clear after a baby oil wash?

The skin will turn black as a response to inflammation - it is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Most commonly this is from a yeast infection of the skin. I suggest you start bathing her with medicated shampoo 1-2 times per week and in between baths use this medicated spray on the affected areas. Be sure to read the instructions throughly. The shampoo must have contact skin with the skin to work. You can't just put it on and then rinse it off. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6692-douxo-chlorhexidine-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx?SearchTerm=chlorhexidine+Auto ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6677-douxo-chlorhexidine-micro-emulsion-spray-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20spray+Auto ) The "skin tag" actually looks like a cyst or wart of some kind. That should be checked by your vet.

Skin darkening can occur due to natural aging, low level irritation from infection or allergies, a healed wound or changes in hormone levels from hypothyroidism. Your veterinarian may be able to determine the exact cause after a thorough physical exam. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This looks like it could be an adenoma, or benign growth originating from the glands in the skin. Sometimes adenomas can produce oils that collect at the surface and can be dark brown or black. There are many other skin masses that could look similar, and some might be more serious so I would recommend having your veterinarian take a look in person.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the picture you provided, I suspect that Baby may be dealing with a bacterial skin infection. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Baby so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Baby will likely need to go on a course of an oral antibiotic and topical therapy such as a shampoo and spray. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Unfortunately some of these cysts and adenomas do tend to rupture and become infected repeatedly. If that is the case we often do recommend removal to avoid this continuous cycle. It may also be advised to remove it to ensure that it is a benign adenoma and not something more concerning or aggressive.

If the rash and skin problems is spreading and getting worse, then it is worth see a vet. She may need a skin biopsy or sample to find out the cause. Skin tags are common in older dogs but rash that is changing is not. They may need to do blood work to see if there is an endocrine problem such as a low thyroid or cushings disease.

It looks like Lilly may have a skin infection. When yeast or bacteria overgrow on the skin it causes inflammation, and when that has been going on for awhile the pigment of the skin will turn darker. Yellow flakey/waxy skin is also a sign of a skin infection. I would suggest that the owners take Lilly in to see their vet. They will be able to discuss special shampoos and prescribe any necessary antibiotics. They will also evaluate Lilly for any underlying health issues making her more prone to skin infections.