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Why does my dog have yellow crusty skin patches? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 56 lbs

Hi, my dog has yellow crusty patches on his skin.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebeccah Wood

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on July 29th, 2017

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about Brady's skin issues. There are many things that could cause skin crusts like you're seeing on Brady. Yellow exudate can indicate infection, so it's best that you bring Brady in for an exam at the vet to get to the bottom of it. They will likely take a small sample of the skin to look at under the microscope, and they may also use a device called a Woods Lamp (a blacklight) to detect if the lesions are being caused by a fungus, like ringworm. He'll also be checked thoroughly for parasites, like fleas. Once they determine the cause, they can provide a treatment - whether it be a medicated bath, topical ointment, or potentially even a systemic antibiotic. I don't recommend doing anything to the lesions at home until you see a vet, as it may make it more difficult to diagnose. Good luck, and I hope Brady feels better soon!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 9th, 2017
This looks to be a skin infection due to the yellow crusty exudate (discharge) seen. Puppies are notorious for skin infections but I am unsure if there is a prinary cause as well, such as mites, ringworm or lice. I would recommend having your vet test the area for those other primary potential causes. If those are ruled out then they can just treat her with antibiotics to hopefully clear this up quickly. I hope Timbers skin resolves soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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