How to tell if my cat's skin irritation is ringworm or a hot spot?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 23rd, 2017

  Hello, sorry to hear about Boo. Its hard to determine wether this is either of those without doing some further testing. With hot-spots you have a lesion that is very itchy, moist, red, and sometimes foul smelling. With ringworm, you seem hair loss, crusty lesions, and mild-to moderate itchiness. If this is very early hot spot, then the derma vet should help it from getting worse and Boo should also wear an e-collar so that he doesn't scratch it and make it worse. If this is wring worm, then its unlikely that the Derma-vet will help it. You would be most concerned about ringworm if he has been at a dog park, grassy areas, or places with dirt, or at boarding facilities. If this lesion isn't getting better with the derma-vet you should definitely see your veterinarian. Hope this helps.

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 13th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
  
  If applying antibiotic cream and bathing in an antibacterial shampoo has not helped then I would take Max to the vet so they can examine it in person. I would shave the fur away to get a better look at the skin. Also shaving the fur away allows topical creams to stick and penetrate better. If Max can reach the area to lick you should use an E-collar or T-shirt to prevent him from making it worse and not allowing it to heal. I agree with previous possible causes of either skin infection/hot spot, trauma/bruise or ring worm. Dogs do not usually die from ring worm unless they lose so much fur, are scratching themselves miserably and stop eating. That is very advanced and shouldn't occur with Veterinary care. If you want to give it more time at home, then shave the fur away, use an E-collar, clean it twice daily with mild soap and water and apply a triple antibiotic cream. If there is no improvement in 7-10 days with consistent treatment it is time to see a Vet.
  
  I hope this helps and I wish you and Max the best!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 18th, 2017

  This could either be a ringworm infection or a hotspot (infected area of the skin usually due to fleas or any trauma to the skin). It’s hard to say for sure without seeing the area. You can try to repost with a picture of the skin lesion so that we can give you a more accurate assessment.
  Ringworm is tested and treated through your vet, and severe hot spots are treated with antibiotics through your vet as well. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and we look forward to your repost with a picture attached if you need further assistance.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful