Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
(Acute Moist Dermatitis, Hot Spots)
Pyotraumatic dermatitis is an acute and rapidly developing
surface bacterial skin infection that occurs secondary to
self-inflicted trauma. A lesion is created when the animal
licks, chews, scratches, or rubs a focal area on its body in
response to a pruritic (intense itching) or painful
stimulus. It is usually a seasonal problem that becomes more
common when the weather is hot and humid. Fleas are the most
common irritating stimulus. Pyotraumatic dermatitis is
common in dogs, especially in thick-coated, long-haired
breeds. It is rarely seen in cats.
Clinical
Signs:
ü
The lesions appear rapidly enlarging area,
red, moist, hot, and painful areas. Lesions are usually
single, but they may be multiple and are often painful. They
occur most frequently on the trunk, tail base, lateral
thigh, neck, and face.
ü
Hair loss over the area
ü
Pruritus (intense itching)
Treatment
and Outcome:
ü
The underlying cause should be identified and
treated.
ü
Carefully clip the hair from the lesions.
Clip
area large enough to expose the edges of the lesion. If
lesions are large, consider using sedation.
ü
Gently cleanse the skin using a medicated
shampoo such as
Doc Roy’s Medicated Shampoo or
Chlorhexiderm Shampoo.
ü
Apply topical medications to lesions twice
daily. Avoid medications that dry or attract attention to
the site, because this will increase self-trauma from
licking or rubbing. Alcohol-containing products should be
avoided.
ü
If pruritis is mild, a topical analgesic such
as
Relief Spray and /or
Relief Shampoo,
Allercaine Spray or corticosteroid containing
cream or solution should also be applied.
ü
If pruritis is severe, Prednisone should be
administered.
ü
If the central lesion is surrounded by papules
or pustules, systemic antibiotic therapy.
ü
Treat the original disease that induced the
self-trauma to the skin (fleas, allergy)
ü
Aggressive
flea control should be provided.
ü
The outcome is good if the underlying cause
can be corrected or controlled.
Reminders:
ü
Gentle cleansing of the area on a daily basis
will speed recovery.
ü
Owners should wash their hands after treating
an infected animal to prevent contamination with
Staphylococcus. Although human infections are rare, the
microorganism could present a danger to owners who are
immunosuppressed.
ü
Lesions may be slow to heal.
ü
Owners should use a collar to prevent further
damage such as
Recova Clear Collar,
Ejay Bite Free Collar or the
Ejay Check Collar.
