skin diseases are very common in dogs. atopy, a chronic allergic condition, is thought to affect up to 10 percent of dogs. other skin diseases related to allergies include hot spots and pyoderma, both characterized by secondary bacterial infections, food allergy, ear infections, and flea allergy dermatitis. canine follicular dysplasia is an inherited disorder of the hair follicles resulting in alopecia (baldness). mange is an infectious skin disease caused by mites. endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism and cushing's syndrome can also manifest as skin problems like alopecia or recurring bacterial infections. another class of integumentary malady is hygromas, a swelling typically on or near the elbow joint. nutrition may also play a role in skin disease, as deficiencies in certain nutrients may result in scaling, redness, oiling, balding, and/or itching of the skin.(see dog skin disorders for specific nutrients that impacts skin)