Dermatological conditions

Alopecia (hairlessness)
This results from having only sparse hairs which are often poorly formed. The hair bulbs are often poorly formed and the hairs are easily dislodged. The skin may be abnormal and thickened. Affected kittens are typically born with a small amount of hair at birth, which is lost by 2 weeks of age, and may re-grow variably later. In some cases it is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is part of the breed description of the Sphynx breed.

Saperstein G, Harris S and Leipold HW (1976) Congenital defects in domestic cats. Feline Practice July: 18-43

Malassezia dermatitis (and furunculosis) -  see Devon Rex
In some cases can severely affect the nail beds (paronychia)

Urticaria pigmentosa (r)
This condition has been described in Sphynx cats and Devon Rex cats. Clinical signs include erythematous and crusted papules on the trunk and ventral thorax. Histological examination showed mastocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate in the dermis. Treatment includes prednsiolone and essential fatty acids.

Vitale, C.B et al  (1996) Feline urticaria pigmentosa in three related sphinx cats, Veterinary Dermatology 7:227-233

Cardiovascular conditions

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
A familial incidence of HCM has been hypothesised in the Sphynx cat. However, although this disease is anecdotally reported in this breed, to the authors’ knowledge there are no published reports within the scientific literature. In people and in Maine Coon cats HCM can be caused by inherited gene defect(s): as yet no defects have not been identified in the Sphinx. 
See Screening scheme info on www.fabcats.org/hcm

Infectious conditions

Cutaneous malassezia and furunculosis – see dermatological conditions click here...