Hot Spot (Acute Moist Dermatitis)

Acute Moist Dermatitis, commonly known as a hot spot, is a localized area of skin inflammation and infection that appears suddenly and can grow quickly. It is typically triggered by an underlying irritation, such as an insect bite, allergic reaction, ear infection, or even stress. The initial irritation causes the pet to intensively lick, chew, or scratch the area, damaging the skin barrier. This self-trauma allows bacteria to multiply, leading to a superficial skin infection that is often red, oozing, and very painful. Hot spots usually require veterinary attention for cleaning, clipping the fur around the lesion, topical or oral medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories), and addressing the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. They are not typically an emergency but can be very uncomfortable and spread rapidly.