Erosions are shallow defects in the skin that only affect the skin's upper layers. Erosions can be quite painful, but tend to heal quickly if the skin is protected and the underlying cause is eliminated.
The Staphylococcus bacteria can live free in the environment, on the skin of a host as a parasite, and in the upper respiratory tract of animals. The bacteria can be transmitted easily from animal to animal and in some cases from animal to human. This infection can be found in both dogs and cats, and at any age.
Signs include partial or total hair loss. The skin surrounding the area of hair loss can appear normal or it can have redness, bumps, scabs, and skin loss. Alopecia may appear in a symmetrical form, or it can be random on the cat's skin.