By Kathy Abascal
As we move through summer, fleas multiply, and many pets end up with hot spots. Hot spots are skin infections caused by an imbalance of bacteria. As the dog licks an itchy flea bite, the pH of the saliva disrupts the normal skin flora, creating an environment that suits the “wrong” microbes better.
Hot spots begin appearing, often in circular patches with hair loss. These red spots typically ooze a little pus. They are extremely itchy, setting up a vicious cycle where the animal increasingly scratches, licks, or bites to the point of self-mutilation. Untreated, hot spots can spread and provoke even a normally even-tempered dog to growl or nip when brushed.
Dogs seem more susceptible to hot spots than cats. These spots are most common on the areas of the body that can be reached and licked. Antibiotics, steroids, and Elizabethan collars are typically used to help the dog heal, but I think herbs are a better treatment. I combine four herbal tinctures diluted in a lavender hydrosol and used as a spray. The spray works quickly; the licking and itching often subside after just a few applications, with complete healing following soon after.
The spray is easy to apply even if the animal will not let you touch the wound. It may sting slightly for the first few applications, but is not painful. (I know because I use this spray on my own small wounds and itchy mosquito bites). Many dogs dislike being sprayed but they tend to dislike ointments, Elizabethan collars, and vet visits more. The herbs in the spray work both topically and internally. As a result, it is fine if the animal licks off the medicine, unlike pharmaceutical preparations that are not meant to be ingested.
The first herb in the mixture is echinacea. Echinacea is a wonderful skin herb and was traditionally used more for skin issues and bites than for colds and flu. Its compounds help prevent bacteria from using the enzyme hyaluronidase to break down the skin’s defenses so they can move into the body. Applied topically, echinacea also stimulates the local white blood cells, which helps limit infection.
I add gotu kola (Centella asiatica) for its wound-healing ability. Studies show that gotu kola contains compounds that speed wound healing and help with keloids (a type of raised scar formation), leprosy, and phlebitis (inflammation of the veins). It is the only herb I know of that has shown some ability to prevent stretch marks in pregnancy. Some Italian plastic surgeons use gotu kola to help limit scar formation and the inflammatory reaction around the surgical wound. In wound studies (where poor rats are wounded and then treated), gotu kola drew antioxidants to the newly formed tissue and promoted healthy new skin growth.
The third herb in the mix is skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). This herb has strong antimicrobial properties. In one study, skullcap was almost as effective as tetracycline at reducing oral pathogens; these pathogens are similar to those colonizing the skin in hot spots. Skullcap is strongly anti-inflammatory, having an effect similar to prednisolone on certain aspects of inflammation. It also inhibits prostaglandins and collagen degradation, while strengthening fibroblasts, which are important in healing. In the hot spot mixture, skullcap reduces inflammation without the side effects of steroids like prednisolone, while supplying compounds that help kill off the bacteria causing the local infections.
The fourth tincture is calendula (Calendula officinalis). This lovely plant has a long history of use for skin wounds and a fair amount of research supporting its ability to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of small wounds. It also has some antimicrobial activity.
Finally, I use about 20 ounces of lavender hydrosol (a stream distillation of lavender flowers) to dilute the 4 ounces of tinctures. The lavender adds some skin healing properties and is soothing. There is enough alcohol in the ultimate spray to prevent molds and other unwanted things from growing; I nonetheless keep the mixture in the fridge, where it will stay pristine and microbe-free for many years.
If you want to make this spray for yourself, or if you are just curious about lavender hydrosol – an aromatic compound with many practical uses – I have it on good word that Minglement is stocking up on this product.
The hot spot spray is, of course, meant as an adjunct that will help your pet through a difficult (hot) spot. It is not a substitute for getting rid of fleas. If your pet has allergies that are at the root of the problem, you will need to find and eliminate the allergens.
As well, this spray is not just useful for hot spots on your pets. It works wonders on most itchy or frustrating skin issues, your own, your kids, or your pets.
