I have two French Bulldogs. In the beginning, I knew nothing about how to care for their wrinkles—until one of them developed a fungal infection that opened my eyes to how serious this issue can be. Sometimes when they sleep, their faces wrinkle up like a road map. I joke that I’m worried something might crawl out of those folds.

French Bulldogs are incredibly popular thanks to their sweet temperament and signature wrinkled faces. But those adorable folds can become problem zones if not cleaned and maintained properly. Without proper care, they can lead to bacterial infections, fungal growth, eczema, redness, and an unpleasant odor.

This article offers a complete, practical wrinkle care guide for French Bulldog owners. Rather than reacting after skin problems occur, you’ll learn how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Why Are French Bulldog Wrinkles So Prone to Skin Issues?

As a brachycephalic breed, French Bulldogs have loose facial skin with deep folds. The most common trouble areas include:

Nasal folds along the sides of the nose and under the eyes

The corners of the mouth and under the chin

The neck and lower jaw

Hidden areas like the groin or thigh creases

These places tend to trap:

Food debris and saliva

Oily secretions from the skin

Sweat and moisture, especially in summer or after bathing

Dirt and bacteria from daily life

When these areas are not cleaned and dried properly, they provide the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive—quickly leading to infections and irritation.

A Standard Wrinkle Cleaning Routine That Actually Works

For French Bulldogs, wrinkle care is more important than regular bathing. Here’s a reliable, step-by-step process that every Frenchie owner should follow.

Step 1: Gather the Right Supplies

Alcohol-free, fragrance-free dog wipes (medical-grade or antibacterial recommended)

Soft dry cotton pads or gauze

Skin-calming spray with witch hazel, chlorhexidine, or aloe

Cotton swabs for small crevices

A flashlight to check hard-to-see areas

Step 2: Gently Clean the Folds

Pick a fixed time each day—after dinner works well. Gently open the folds and clean from the inside out with a wipe or cotton swab. Pay special attention to:

Both sides of the nose

Mouth corners

These are hotspots for oil, saliva, and leftover food.

Tip: Use a gentle touch. Don’t rub or scrub, as it may damage the skin.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Use a clean, dry cloth to pat the folds dry. Never leave any moisture behind, as this accelerates fungal growth.

In humid weather, you can use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting to ensure the folds are fully dry. Keep the dryer at least six inches away from the skin.

Step 4: Apply a Soothing Spray (Optional)

After cleaning, apply a light mist of pet-safe skin spray. Choose products containing ingredients like:

Witch hazel

Aloe vera

Low-concentration chlorhexidine

These help calm the skin and prevent bacterial buildup without harsh chemicals.

Recommended Cleaning Frequency for Different Conditions

Five Common Mistakes in Wrinkle Cleaning

Using baby wipes instead of dog-specific wipes
Baby wipes often contain fragrances and preservatives that can irritate a dog’s skin.

Not drying after cleaning
Leaving moisture in the folds is one of the top causes of odor, yeast, and skin infections.

Only cleaning during bath time
Bathing once every week or two isn’t enough. Wrinkles need daily attention.

Waiting for redness or smell before cleaning
At that point, it’s likely too late—an infection may already be present.

Focusing only on the face
French Bulldogs also have body folds in areas like the neck, belly, and inner thighs, especially if they’re overweight.

Signs That It’s Time to See a Veterinarian

If your dog shows any of the following symptoms, contact your vet right away:

Persistent redness or swelling inside the folds

Yellow, green, or thick discharge

Strong, musty or fishy odor that doesn’t go away

Excessive scratching, pawing at the face, or sneezing

Skin darkening, scabbing, or pus

Hair loss and unusual greasy buildup

These signs may indicate a bacterial or fungal skin infection that needs professional treatment.

Long-Term Wrinkle Care Tips

Always check folds after walks, especially on rainy or muddy days

Avoid tight clothing or muzzles that trap moisture

Feed a balanced, low-allergen diet to support skin health

Don’t use baby powder or cornstarch inside folds—they may clump and clog the pores

Take regular photos to track changes in your dog’s skin condition over time

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortcut when it comes to wrinkle care for French Bulldogs. But with just a few minutes of daily cleaning, you can help your dog avoid painful infections and stay comfortable, fresh, and happy.

Wrinkle care is a form of love—and your Frenchie’s skin will thank you for it.