Common Skin Conditions in Horses
Itching, hair loss, red skin, or raised bumps could mean your horse has a skin condition. Fortunately, most conditions improve with home treatment or a visit from the veterinarian. Not sure what type of condition is making your horse miserable? One of these conditions could be to blame.
Ringworm
Ringworm isn't caused by worms. The itchy, red rings are actually caused by a fungal infection. Horses develop highly contagious ringworm through contact with infected animals or contaminated equipment, fences, blankets, or grooming tools. Horses with ringworm should be isolated during treatment, as ringworm can easily spread to other animals and people. Disinfect stalls and equipment and wear gloves when touching a horse with ringworm.
Anti-fungal shampoo or cream kills the fungus and relieves symptoms. Apply the product until the rings go away. Hair usually begins to regrow one to four weeks after successful treatment, according to UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health. If your horse's condition doesn't improve in about a week or gets worse, call your veterinarian.
Rain Rot
As its name implies, rain rot happens when your horse's skin remains wet for long periods due to exposure to water or high humidity. Eventually, tufts of hair become trapped in raised crusty bumps on the skin, which can lead to hair loss. The bumps often form on the topline, face, legs, and rumps. Light-colored horses and those with poorly functioning immune systems are more likely to develop rain rot, according to the Penn State Extension.
Bathing your horse with anti-microbial soap and removing loose crusts can be helpful for a mild case of rain rot. If rain rot doesn't improve after a week, your horse may need antibiotics. Keeping roofs in good repair and covering horses with waterproof blankets on rainy days during turnout can help prevent future cases of rain rot.
Cellulitis
Cellutis is a bacterial infection that inflames the tissues under the skin. Bacteria enter your horse's body through a cut, wound or scratch. Although any part of the body can be affected, cellulitis often affects the legs. Affected body parts may be swollen and feel hot. Cellulitis is painful and can be a factor in lameness. Some horses develop fevers with the infection.
Veterinarians treat cellulitis with antibiotics and medication to ease pain and swelling. If your horse has cellulitis in its leg, wrapping the leg may also reduce swelling. Pet MD notes that hand walking can be helpful, as exercise helps the lymph system drain fluids from the legs.
Warts
Does your horse have a bumpy pink or gray growth on its skin? A wart may be to blame. Luckily, warts usually go away on their own without affecting your horse's comfort. If your horse's warts are in a sensitive area or are rubbed raw by tack, your veterinarian may recommend removing them. Warts can be removed with topical creams, freezing, or during a minor surgical procedure.
Seborrhea
Seborrhea, or dandruff, won't hurt your horse but can affect its appearance. Dry dandruff causes flaky skin, while waxy crusts on the hocks, lower legs, or elbows may mean your horse has oily dandruff. Equus notes that horses may inherit dandruff, with Thoroughbreds and Arabians at higher risk of developing the skin condition.
Anti-dandruff equine shampoo will keep your horse looking its best. Don't share your dandruff shampoo with your horse, as human shampoo can irritate your horse's sensitive skin. If your horse's condition doesn't improve, your veterinarian may suggest topical medications or dietary changes.
Are you concerned about a problem with your horse's skin? Skin conditions can be difficult for horse owners to identify and treat, as many have similar symptoms. Let us know if we can help you manage your horse's skin condition. We can diagnose tricky conditions, offer helpful treatments, and provide recommendations that will help you prevent future skin issues. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.
Sources:
UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health: Ringworm in Horses (Dermatophytosis), 4/14/2022
https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/ringworm-horses-dermatophytosis
Penn State Extension: Rain Rot in Horses, 10/16/2023
https://extension.psu.edu/rain-rot-in-horses
PetMD: Cellulitis in Horses, 2/16/2023
https://www.petmd.com/horse/conditions/skin/cellulitis-horses
Equus: How to Identify 8 Common Equine Skin Diseases, 1/5/2025
https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/common-equine-skin-diseases
The Horse: Solving Skin Issues on Horses’ Legs, 11/20/2024
https://thehorse.com/187721/solving-skin-issues-on-horses-legs/
Dvm360: Overview of Equine Skin Diseases, 9/1/2012