What exactly is a "hot spot"?

Was just reading a thread about hot spots. What exactly is a hot spot and how/why do the pooches get them? I'm questioning now because I think my Honeygirl may have one.

Thanks! :)
Honeygirl and her Mom

A hot spot is where the skin becomes irratated and the dog chews the hair right out of the skin. It will then appear red and scabby. It will itch and bother your dog. You can either take your dog to the vet or myself, I administer some gold Bond Powder. It will dry the hot spot right up. Most hot spots occure on Collies from moister laying on thier skin in humid weather. One thing about my breed is that if they get a bath in hot humid weather it is imparative to completely dry them. Most long hair dogs will be effected this way from moisture.

Hope I explained this well enough for you.

http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/hotspots.html

Like Tim stated it is an area of skin that becomes irritated and infected, usually caused by excessive moisture (bathing, swimming, humidity). The longer haired/thicker coat type of breeds or those with allergies & the like are more susceptible but it can occur in any breed of dog.

The main factor in preventing hot spots is making sure they are completely dried after swimming, bathing, etc... And make sure they are well groomed.

As far as healing hot spots go, it is wise to clean & dry the area WELL. Air helps IMMENSLEY with the healing proccess, therefore the area is often times shaved.

Sometimes if caught very early you are sometimes able to heal a hot spot at home by shaving the area well, then cleansing it with a mild shampoo and be sure to dry it WELL. You can then apply something like gold bond powder to the area to help dry it up. If your dog is scratching/licking at the area excessivly you can apply some cortisone cream (make sure to apply it at differnt times than the powder though and make sure your dog can not lick it off). If the area is large, fairly smelly, etc... it is often times too late to cure it by those means alone and antibiotics from a vet are usually needed.

The most common areas that are affected are the flanks, rump, legs and feet but they can occur anywhere.