Definition
noun, plural: hot spots
(1) (pathology) A superficial weeping skin lesion such as in dogs and cats caused by an incessant biting, chewing, or scratching at the surface of skin
(2) (molecular biology) A particular area of DNA that is prone to spontaneous mutation or recombination
Supplement
In pathology, the term hot spot is a weeping skin lesion commonly affecting dogs and cats. It starts when they chew or scratch the site of the skin that is itchy. Incessant biting, chewing, and scratching of the skin results in the superficial lesions that allow bacteria to gain entry and cause infection. This results in pus forming and oozing from the damaged skin. The lesions eventually encrust and results in hair loss over the affected area. It is necessary to treat the area early because the area affected may become greater than it initially was. Hot spots can occur at any time of the year but are more common when the weather is hot and humid.
In molecular biology, a hot spot pertains to the part of the DNA that is prone to spontaneous mutations or recombinations. Spontaneous mutations refer to mutations that occur spontaneously, i.e. as a result of natural processes within the cell, in contrast to induced mutations that occur by inducing with mutagens.
Synonym(s):
- pyotraumatic dermatitis (pathology)
