Pitbull in pain

Keeping in mind that there are entire textbooks written about the six types of skin disorders in animals, you might understand why veterinarians often take a deep breath before entering the exam room wherein awaits a patient with “a skin problem”.


Environmental Dermatitis, an example is Moist Eczema, often called a "Hot Spot". These skin lesions often occur as a result of moisture on the skin surface from rain, pond or lake water. Minute scratches on the skin from, for example, a clipper blade, may trigger other cases. Especially in dense coated dogs or dogs where there is an accumulation of mats or shedding hair, moisture on the skin may remain long enough to allow superficial bacteria to reproduce (sort of like an organic soup!) and create an infection. Some cases of Moist Eczema will spread very rapidly and require rather aggressive therapy to correct. Contact with plastics can create ”Environmental Dermatitis”.


However, you should see your vet to rule out possible parasitic, bacterial, and/or nutritional causes. Keep in mind that some causes are contagious to humans.