Canine Hot Spots / Skin Irritation - Research Article
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| Definition / Causes | Parasitic Allergens | Allergy Testing |
| Environmental Allergens | Other Causes | Prevention |
Definition
“Hot spots”, which are rapidly appearing, oozing skin infections, are also known as “acute moist pyoderma.” There are several ways of classifying pyoderma, but the easiest way is by thickness of the skin and depth of bacterial infection of the skin cell layers.
Surface pyoderma: Bacteria colonize the outermost layer of the skin.
Superficial pyoderma: The bacterial infection is at the level of the intact hair follicle.
Deep pyoderma: The bacterial infection extends beneath and beyond the hair follicle.
Causes
The majority of cases involve a natural portion of the skin called Staphylococcus Intermedius, which becomes pathogenic (disease causing) when the skin environment changes for any of a number of reasons. Other bacteria and microorganisms may be involved, but some reports suggest that over 90% of cases have Staphylococcal involvement.
A hot spot starts because something irritates, itches, or causes inflammation of the dog's skin. In cases of itching, the dog rubs, licks, or chews the site and exacerbates the problem. These sores can develop into severe problems in as short a time as an hour or two.
The most common irritants are probably fleas and allergies, which cause the itching that leads to the skin infection. Many other possible sources of irritation, such as tick bites, besetting, burrs, mats, mosquitoes, summer heat, and other problems, can contribute to the initial irritation that develops into a hot spot.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are itchiness, redness, often with pimples or scabs, and a bad odor. Surface pyodermas may show as areas of redness and irritation, often developing into raised, round scabs. Superficial pyodermas produce yellow spots which then break out into larger wheals and scabs. Deep pyoderma can make pets systemically ill and produce abscesses and oozing, inflamed channels in the skin surface. Certain areas may be particularly prone to infection. Interdigital areas, inside the ears, at the groin, and along the middle of the back are common infection sites. Other diseases, such as yeast infections, can look very similar, so if there isn't a rapid resolution with home treatment, seek professional advice.
Subsets. Aside from depth of the infection, one can subdivide hot spots/skin afflictions/pyoderma by way of origin and manifestation.
Primary pyoderma: There is little doubt that occasionally pyoderma may develop spontaneously and for no obvious clinical reason, or idiopathically. As with arthritis, there is simply no known cause. The general consensus is that these dogs probably have a compromised immune system or a congenital factor affecting skin immune systems. The exact genetic nature of pyoderma remains a mystery.
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