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My hamster has a red spot and is balding around it. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Hamster | Female | 1lb

My hamster has a red spot it’s little and she’s baldinga round it .. what is happening ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 30th, 2020

It could be some minor irritation or infection
Keep the area clean and dry. Keep the bedding clean and dry. Monitor the spot for rapid change or growth. If necessary, see your veterinarian for an exam and treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 6th, 2018
This is probably due to a mite infestation, you will need to bring him to the vet in order to get that checked and treated. alternatively you can find mite treatment for hamsters in some pet shops (otc), you can try that first if you want.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 12th, 2018
This could be due to skin mites among other things, i would recommend starting by buying a spot on or spray against mites, you can find those in most pet shops. if it doesn't help take her to your vet in order to get it checked.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 6th, 2019
It could be due to "barbering" by the other hamster. This can be due to dominance or aggression. It can also be cause by infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites). You can separate them to see if the hair begins to grow back or you can have her examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any infection.
In the meantime, clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and hides. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Keep them as stress free as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My hamster has a red spot and fur loss. Is this serious?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Bear may have a fungal infection, fur or skin mites, or a skin infection. Most of these conditions are very itchy, and some hamsters may actually scratch so much that they draw blood. This can lead to further infection as the skin barrier is compromised. I recommend having Bear looked at by a vet as soon as possible to determine the cause of his skin condition and begin the appropriate treatment. You can carefully trim Bear's nails in the meantime to prevent him from causing further trauma. I hope this helps!

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My hamster has red spots spreading on its skin. What should I do?

It could possibly be mange (mites in the hair follicles), ringworm (a fungal infection), or a bacterial skin infection. As ringworm is contagious to people and can spread rapidly, I recommend bringing your hamster to a vet for an examination and diagnostics based on the appearance of the lesions. In the meantime I would recommend handling your hamster with gloves and bathing with an antibacterial/antifungal shampoo such as Malaseb shampoo if you have access to this without a prescription where you live.

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My hamster has a sore, quickly growing bald spot. What should I do?

Thanks for your question about Brian. If the bald patch is growing in size that quickly, and if it is also associated with redness, flakey skin, or evidence of pain, I would recommend that he be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation. I didn’t see how old he is, but infections, cancer, and hormonal disease are very common in hamsters. Your veterinarian may take a sample of the skin and fur in the area, and depending on what they find, they may recommend medications for him. Please don’t give Brian any human medications at home, as many of them are harmful to our furry friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My hamster has a red, hairless area around his bottom. Is he sick?

That area could be inflamed because of diarrhoea for example or because of a skin infection (commonly bacterial infection or due to mites infestation). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately.

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Why is my hamster's red, scabby rear spreading and losing hair?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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Why is my hamster balding near bum with a dark scent gland spot?

Typically hair loss in hamsters comes with age. Older hamsters can lose their hair due to a lack of protein (less than 16%) or iron in their diet. Other hamster illnesses can cause hair loss including sarcoptic mange, demodex mites, ringworm or disease such as kidney or Cushing’s disease. When you can get him to a vet for an exam I suggest you do so. In the meantime I suggest that you make sure he has a high quality diet and cut back on cereals if you are giving him any. You can give him one drop of cod liver oil daily. You can also use this spot-on product in case the problem is mites. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beaphar-Anti-Parasite-Hamsters-Gerbils-Rabbits/dp/B073H1GXSR/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=hamster+food+oxbow&qid=1587944081&sr=8-8

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Why is my hamster losing hair and has a strange spot on his back?

Thanks for reaching out about Bobo and including photos, although difficult to determine a lesion by the pictures. Do you have mosquito problems? External parasites such as mites or fleas are possible, as are bacterial skin infections. Try cleaning the area with a mild soap. If the lesion or hair loss progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

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