Skin Infections

Hot spots are localized skin infections. They can be caused by fleas, mites, bacteria, fungus, allergies or irritants like a harsh shampoo. Essential fatty acid deficiency can also be the cause. This skin infection is more common when temperatures and humidity increase.

There are two forms of hot spots. Superficial is characterized as being on the surface as a moist patch of inflamed, ulcerated, itchy skin. Clean with medicated soap and apply a topical medication. A deep hot spot has very deep infection and is oozing and an oral antibiotic as well as a topical treatment is needed.

Continual licking damages the skin, which causes it to thicken and scar. This can lead to a lick granuloma which is a deep infection that will not heal. This appears usually on the tops or sides of the paws, on the tops of front legs or on the rear leg. Constant licking causes a red raised, raw and swollen wound that can weep or bleed. Treatment is challenging because it involves healing the wound and breaking the licking cycle. Antibiotics are used to fight the infection and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce swelling. A cone-shaped plastic collar may be necessary to keep the dog from licking the wound.

Prevention is difficult unless the cause is known. To lessen the probability you can use a medicated shampoo or supplement the diet with essential fatty acid. Early detection of hot spots and treating them before they become serious is important.