In veterinary medicine, a "hot spot" is one of the many names for a raw, irritated lesion that results from a pet constantly scratching, chewing, and licking at an area of skin.[1]
As the lesion grows, secondary infection from opportunistic bacteria can occur, causing more discomfort and leading the pet to scratch and chew even more. Other names include moist eczema, summer sores, acute moist alderman, acute moist dermatitis, pyo traumatic dermatitis, or acute pyo traumatic dermatitis. As the name "summer sores" suggests, the ailment is more common in the summer; however, they can occur at any time of the year. Many pets that develop them have allergies; they are particularly common in pet with flea allergies. However, any sort of irritation to the skin can result in a hot spot.
Most are on the paws and skin.