Like us, horses can experience a myriad of skin conditions, ranging from harmless cosmetic issues to something more problematic and uncomfortable. Because the skin is the first line of defense against outside pathogens, it can be prone to parasites, bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. As the largest bodily organ, the skin is also where allergic reactions can show up.
The following are a few common skin conditions that can affect horses:
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Rainrot/Rain Scald
This bacterial infection presents as raised bumps covered in scabby crusts. The hair around the lesions will also be matted. Over time, the crust will peel off, leaving a bare, round spot. Rainrot develops on parts of the horse’s body that stay chronically damp due to wet weather or grass. This would include the topline, shoulders, hindquarters and possibly the lower legs or face. Rainrot is more common in elderly, malnourished, or ill horses.
Ringworm
This fungal infection can be caused by several different organisms. On horses, it appears as round, hairless patches with crusty skin. Ringworm most commonly appears on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, or beneath the saddle or girth area. The area can be sore or itchy, but ringworm does not pose a serious problem.
Since ringworm can spread from horse to horse, disinfect all shared tack and equipment to avoid spreading the fungal infection.
Mange
A parasitic infection caused by mites, mange condition will first appear as round bumps. This is followed by bald spots with scaly, thickened skin. It is most common on the lower legs of draft horses with heavy feathering, though any horse can be affected. In serious cases, horses will rub or bite at the area, possibly leading to secondary infections. If this occurs, antibiotics may be needed. Mites can also be passed from horse to horse, so isolate any affected horses until the problem has been resolved. It’s also a good idea to treat all horses that have been in contact with the affected horse as they may be affected but not showing symptoms.
Sweet Itch
Insect bite hypersensitivity, also known as sweet itch, is caused by an allergic reaction to the Culicoides insect (sometimes called midges). Sweet itch causes severe itching, skin lesions, and hair loss often at the base of the mane or tail, the horse’s sides, belly, legs, or head. This condition is seasonal, appearing around late spring or summer and usually lasting through early fall. Horses may aggressively scratch themselves which can cause damage to the skin and possibly secondary infections.
Treating Equine Skin Conditions Naturally
ParaSpray is an organic formula that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions in horses and other animals. Blended from natural plant extracts, ParaSpray can help eliminate mange, external parasites, bacterial infections affecting the skin, ring worm, and other skin conditions.
Another way to help keep the skin and hair coat healthy is to feed Organic Ground Flaxseed which is a great source of Omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids. Flaxseed is a natural anti-inflammatory and is often helpful with allergic conditions such as sweet itch.