Main Causes

• Skin problems in Pekingese can be caused either by internal health problems such as food allergies and cancers or by external factors such as flea bites or contact allergies. Because both causes can manifest the same symptoms, it is important to get a professional diagnosis.
  
  

Internal Causes

• Food allergies, hormonal imbalances, cancers, autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions to drugs can all cause skin irritations in a Pekingese. These are less common than external causes, but it is always best to have your veterinarian make a professional diagnosis at the first sign of itchy, pus-filled bumps and hair loss in your dog.
  
  

External Causes

• Many skin problems stem from flea bites, small cuts or scrapes caused in grooming or from rolling around outside and exposure to the staphylococcus bacteria. Shampoos and hair treatments containing the insect-repellent ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) have been shown to cause skin irritation and respiratory distress in Pekingese and should be avoided.
  
  

Most Common Skin Irritations

• Flea Allergy Dermatitus is the most common skin condition in dogs. It is caused by flea bites and manifests as crusted bumps at the base of the tail, accompanied by itchiness and hair loss.
  Pyoderma is caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, and it presents with a rash of tiny, pus-filled bumps, red skin that feels hot to the touchband hair loss.
  Impetigo is usually found in puppies who are less than a year old. It is characterized by small, itchy bumps on the chin and abdomen. It is also caused by staphylococcus bacteria.
  Folliculitus is an infection of the hair follicles, which is often accompanied by a staphylococcus infection. It is usually found on the abdomen and appears as small, red, pus-filled bumps known as vesicles.
  Contact dermatitus is caused by an allergy to something that got onto your dog's skin. This could be anything at all that your dog came in contact with and can be hard to isolate, so early detection is key. It is characterized by an itchy rash.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for skin irritations caused by internal factors would depend on what was causing the irritation and could include anything from changing the type of food the dog is being given to antibiotics, chemotherapy, surgery or any combination of those options.
  External skin irritations can be treated by topical antibiotics, though sometimes oral antibiotics are also given. Changing your dog's shampoo is sometimes enough to clear up contact dermatitis, though it is always best to have your veterinarian make the initial diagnosis and plan the course of treatment.