Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has a hotspot under her arm. Should I use steroid cream?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | 75 lbs

My dog has a spot under her arm that appears to possibly be a hotspot. She had one previously on her stomach that developed a secondary infection. The spot under her arm looks similar to the spot that appeared on her stomach last year. We noticed an area that the fur was matted together and after cleaning it with warm water, I noticed the irritated skin underneath. Would it be ok if I put some steroid cream on it?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2018

I wouldn't put steroid cream on it, because this could make it much worse. Hot spots usually have an infection present, which will flourish in the presence of steroids.

It appears to be minor based on your description, so you can try a couple of things at home to help this.

1) Wash the area with warm water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing.
2) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing.

You should start seeing good results within a week after starting this. It may take a few weeks before it's completely cleared. If two weeks go by and it's not getting any better, then it's best to have a veterinarian exam it. Also, if it appears to get worse, then it's best to take her the vet for treatment.

I hope that helps and this gets cleared up soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why does my dog have red bumps on shaved skin not responding to cream?

It is likely dermatitis, ie bacterial infection, as the skin may be irritated from the shaving and the hotspot likely was infected with bacteria. Steroid ointment will not help, but rather make it worse. Your dog will likely need prescription antibiotics from your veterinarian after an exam and cleaning and disinfecting the site.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a hotspot. How can I treat and clean it safely at home?

A definite NO on the hydrogen peroxide! 1. It is best to shave the hair around the affected area if at all possible. If you don't have clippers you can use scissors to shorten the hair - just be careful you don't cut him. If you can't shave or trim the hair don't stress too much about it. 2. You can clean and treat all in one step with these medicated pads. Twice a day. ( https://www.chewy.com/pet-md-chlorhexidine-antiseptic-dog/dp/146635 ) 3. If he is really itching you can also apply this topical hydrocortisone spray after the wound is dry from the using the pads. Once a day should be enough. ( https://www.chewy.com/zymox-enzymatic-topical-spray/dp/125742 ) If no improvement after about 5-7 days then you should have your vet check him out. Sometimes oral antibiotics are needed to clear these up if they are bad enough. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Should I put hydrocortisone cream on my dog's irritated skin?

Yes, you can use it, but if you think your dog has an infection I would not recommend using it. I would also not recommend using it for more than a week as this cream can cause thinning of the skin which can result in fragile and broken skin.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What should I do if my dog has a hot spot? How can I treat it at home?

I like to trim the hair around the hot spot to open up the skin to the air. Then wash it with antibacterial soap to remove the discharge. After drying it then apply thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. You can also apply some cortisone cream on it to reduce the itch. It's best to use a restraint collar to prevent licking and scratching so it will heal. Make sure there are no fleas or ear infection as these can cause itching resulting in hot spots. If they are severe and you are unable to get them to heal then I would bring Princess to your veterinarian for treatment. They may give an injection to prevent scratching and an oral antibiotic to heal the skin infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Princess.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a moist, smelly black scab and spot. Should I use ointment?

I would not recommend putting any medication on the skin without getting your dog checked by your vet. This kind of change / scab could be, for example, due to fungal infection and in that case hydrocortisone would be contraindicated. Please, take Angel to your vet who will be able to diagnose the cause of the local hair loss and will prescribe medications for your dog.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a red, irritated armpit sore. What should I put on it?

From the excellent picture you have provided it looks like Winstyn may have moist dermatitis, or a "hot spot". Unfortunately, hot spots often require a trip to the vet for clipping of the area, cleaning, and prescription of a healing spray / ointment with antibiotics and a steroid. All of these interventions will help the area heal quickly, and minimise the level of discomfort that Winstyn has to experience. Due to the location of the sore it will particularly difficult to treat at home. In the meantime you can help Winstyn by; Placing a an e-collar to prevent him biting or attracting at the sore and making it worse Attempt to air out the area as much as possible to help it dry out. This is key to healing. Do not attempt any medications at home as they can cause pain and in some cases delay healing. I hope this is a helpful answer and that Winstyn feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog keeps scratching a scab on her cheek. Is it a hotspot?

It sounds like she has a hotspot which could be secondary to allergies and/or an infection. The best thing would be to have your vet take a look at it to determine the best way to treat. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and or a corticosteroid to treat and your vet can prescribe. If you can't take her to a vet than you could clean the area with an antiseptic wound cleaner but if she keeps scratching the area than it will not heal. Covering the area probably will not work but you could get an E-collar to prevent her from scratching.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share