This article is paraphrased and parts taken directly from
the following web site: http://vetmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa071300a.htm
(Other portions copyright © Linda K. Lawrie. All rights reserved.)
What is a "hot spot"? A hot
spot is a localized area of skin inflammation and infection. The infection can
be superficial or deep. Other common names for this condition include: moist
dermatitis, acute moist dermatitis and pyotraumatic dermatitis.
What are the signs of a hot spot? Redness,
oozing, pain, and itchiness are hallmark signs. Sometimes hair can mat over the
lesion, obscuring the size and degree of the problem. These lesions can appear
suddenly, and grow rapidly (within hours!) They also can be prone to
parasitic attack (e.g. biting flies, gnats, maggots).
What causes a hot spot? There is usually
an inciting factor to initiate the extreme licking and scratching behavior.
Look for fleas, mites, or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite,
allergies (food, inhalant, contact), or injury (skin wound, scrape, etc.). Some
animals may "start" a hot spot out of boredom or stress-related
psychological problems.
What can I do to treat a hot spot? The
first thing to do is speak with your veterinarian. Due to the rapidity of
spread and possibility of deeper skin infection, it is wise to start treatment
with your vet. Also, these hot spots can be very painful to the animal -- caution
is advised, use a muzzle if need be for your protection.
Shave the area. The first treatment for hot spots is to dry them out and
get air to the area. Cleanse the area with cool water and a gentle skin
cleanser. (Betadine solution, e.g.)
Cool compress the area 2-4 times a day with a cool wet washcloth.
Medications - Your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics, topical
drying sprays or medications, and/or special shampoos. Aspirin, on the
advice of your vet, may sometimes be used to reduce the inflammation.
Prevention of licking, biting, scratching -i.e. Elizabethan collar
Additional home remedies that can be used until you can see your vet:
tea bag compresses (black or green tea) to help dry the area out
-- used as a wash or as a compress. (One of the GRRRR volunteers uses
this!)
Domeboro's (Burow's) solution (aluminum acetate) - available
over-the-counter at pharmacies to help dry the skin out -- used as a compress
or as a spray.
Hydrocortisone creams - See the web site for cautions on this.
Other things - Aloe cream or pure Aloe gel, Gold Bond Cream, or
Cool Spot. Possibly (don't know if people have tried) Sun Burn products
containing Lidocaine. Alcohol based solutions, though drying, would
probably NOT be good due to the pain potential.
Some other web sites (for reference):
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/hotspots.html
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/dehotspot.html
http://www.adoptagolden.com/k9stuff/vetcorner/hotspot.htm