What Is A "Hot Spot"?

Hot spots are a common skin problem, but that doesn't mean that they should be overlooked or ignored! What are they exactly? “Hot spots” are acutely inflamed areas of skin irritation. Ironically, something small like an allergic reaction to flea bites (flea allergy dermatitis) causes a dog to lick almost constantly in an attempt to “cool off” the area, which actually makes matters worse.

Hot spots can happen at any time of the year, with the warmer months being more common, since rising temperatures mean more time outside with more potential skin enemies for your pup. Causes vary, and it is best to visit with your veterinarian to determine the exact cause and get the appropriate treatment.

Hot spots, known medically as acute moist dermatitis, generally occur on long-haired dogs or short-haired ones with dense undercoats, like the Siberian Husky. Hot spots usually occur along the side of the chest, over the hip, or the paws, all areas easily reached by a canine tongue. Redness, oozing, pain, and itchiness are hallmark signs. Hair loss is commonly present. Sometimes hair can mat over the lesion, obscuring the size and degree of the problem. They usually appear as circular lesions that are moist, inflamed, and raw.

These lesions can appear suddenly, and grow rapidly in size. They can become quite painful and expanding rapidly with constant attention from the dog. One that originates as the size of a quarter can be eight inches in diameter within 6 hours. A secondary staphylococcus infection is likely, breaking down the top layer of skin, causing pus to enter surrounding hair, matting it.

While some animals have been known to "start" a hot spot out of boredom or stress-related psychological problems, there is usually an inciting factor. Look for fleas, mites, or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite, allergies (food, inhalant, contact), or injury (skin wound, scrape, etc.).

If you find one of these “hot spots,” you should trim hair around your dog’s lesion, or have it shaved. This allows air to get to the inflamed tissue. You should keep the area clean, using a water-based cleaner or Betadine, making sure you rinse away the cleaner after its application.

A “cousin” of the hot spots, acral lick granulomas occur similarly to hot spots, but they typically appear on the “wrist” or “ankle” solely due to the incessant licking by the afflicted dog. This occurs likely to a compulsive desire on the part of the dog to lick the area without any physical stimulus.

sources: Ask Spike Online and About.com