Think of the ear canal as an extension of the skin. Staph is a common
bacteria found in both the ears and on the
skin. Staph is also responsible for causing hot spots.
However, hot spots, or pyotraumatic dermatitis, is the result of scratching, licking, rubbing, or chewing. The hot spot could occur on the face during an ear infection because your pet is more likely to be scratching or rubbing at the ears, even if the infection is only on one side.