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Treatment 

The underlying cause of the symptoms will determine the appropriate course of treatment. For example, if the diagnosis is solar dermatitis, a cortisone lotion will be prescribed to help relieve the inflammation. Your veterinarian will probably also recommend that you keep your dog out of the sun as much as possible. Sunscreens may be recommended and need to be applied at least twice daily. For pus-filled eruptions, cortisone or prednisone will probably be prescribed, with a gradually declining dosage. These medications should only be used under veterinary supervision. Warm soaks are prescribed to get rid of the crusted skin and pus. Also, be aware of the allergens your dog may be susceptible to, such as a plastic or rubber dish, pillow or blanket, or certain drugs.

For fungal infections, there is a range of medication to choose from, although the veterinarian may want to surgically remove some of the lesions before the course of antifungal treatment begins. In addition, surgery may be required for nodules that are not infected. Immunosuppressive therapy may also be prescribed. If your dog's only symptom is loss of pigment, your veterinarian may choose not to prescribe treatment. Finally, for cancerous tumors, surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation is usually required.