Acute Moist Dermatitis (Hot Spots)

Acute Moist Dermatitis (Hot Spots)

By: Dr. Rosanna Marsalla

Section: Overview

Treatment

Treatment for acute moist dermatitis may include one or more of the following:

  • Clipping and cleaning of the affected areas. Lesions often are more extensive than they initially appear. Clipping the hair in the area is important to allow proper cleaning of the affected skin. Antibacterial solutions (chlorhexidine) or drying solutions (Burrow's solution) combat infection and decrease pruritus (itchiness).

  • Interruption of the pruritic cycle. This is crucial to successful treatment. Once the cycle has been triggered, it is important to stop it so as to prevent self-mutilation. Orally-administered cortisone-like drugs often are used for a short period of time to make the dog more comfortable. Your dog may be more hungry and thirsty while receiving corticosteroids – this is a common side effect of this medication. As a consequence, the dog may need to urinate more frequently than normal.
    Some dogs may also pant as a consequence of corticosteroid therapy.

  • Secondary bacterial infection must be treated when present. In some cases, damage is so extensive that bacteria proliferate, resulting in secondary infection. In such instances, an antibiotic may be prescribed for 2 to 3 weeks.

  • Identification and treatment of the underlying cause is important to prevent recurrent episodes of acute moist dermatitis. Most cases are secondary to flea allergy and aggressive flea control usually is necessary.

    Home Care and Prevention

    Clean the affected areas with antibacterial and astringent products daily until healing is complete. Make sure that your dog has sufficient water while receiving corticosteroids. House soiling incidents may occur during corticosteroid therapy if the dog is not allowed outdoors frequently enough.

    If your dog has flea allergy and is prone to develop hot spots, you should be aggressive with your flea control program. In addition to treating the environment, you also should apply an appropriate insecticide or repellent to your dog to prevent flea bites.        

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