Mallenders in Horses and Ponies: How Botanica Cleansing Wash and Herbal Cream Can Help Manage Symptoms Naturally
Mallenders — the thick, scaly, often cracked skin behind a horse’s knee—can be a frustrating and uncomfortable skin condition for both horse and owner. Often confused with mud fever or dermatitis, Mallenders is a form of hyperkeratosis (excessive skin growth) that tends to affect feathered breeds such as Cobs, Shires, and Friesians.
Botanica’s Cleansing Wash and Natural Herbal Cream offer a gentle, effective solution that can significantly improve skin comfort and appearance. And if you're having issues with flying insects try the best fly spray for horses.
What Is Mallenders in Horses?
Mallenders refers to thickened, crusty, or cracked skin that develops in the flexor crease behind the knee (carpus). In some cases, it may extend to the front of the hock, known as Sallenders. These lesions are not contagious but can become infected, itchy, and sore if untreated.
Mallenders is often associated with feathered breeds, where dense leg hair traps sweat, debris, and moisture—creating the perfect environment for scaling and hyperkeratosis.
Symptoms of Mallenders
- Thickened, flaky or scaly skin behind the knee
- Deep cracks or fissures in the skin fold
- Hair loss or matting of feathers
- Mild to severe itching or discomfort
- Oozing lesions in more advanced cases
- Increased risk of secondary infections (bacterial or fungal)
Causes and Triggers of Mallenders
Mallenders is typically caused by:
- Chronic friction and moisture retention in skin folds
- Excess keratin production due to genetic predisposition
- Poor lymphatic circulation in heavy breeds
- Lack of airflow under feathers
- Fungal or bacterial overgrowth secondary to skin breakdown
Though not always “curable,” it is highly manageable—especially with a consistent, gentle skincare routine that softens the skin, reduces build-up, and prevents infection.
How Botanica Products Help Manage Mallenders in Horses
Mallenders requires daily, targeted care using products that:
- Clean without irritating broken skin
- Soften dry, crusty buildup
- Soothe inflammation and reduce itching
- Help prevent bacterial and fungal complications
This is where Botanica Cleansing Wash and Natural Herbal Cream shine.
Step 1: Botanica Cleansing Wash to Gently Wash and Prepare the Skin
This plant-based, non-sting cleansing wash is perfect for softening crusts in the area behind the knees—without harsh chemicals.
Key Benefits:
- Natural antimicrobial properties (tea tree, thyme, lavender) help control infection
- Loosens and lifts keratin crusts safely and gently
- Soothes soreness and calms inflamed tissue
- Safe for use on cracked, open, or bleeding skin
Tip: Dilute the Cleansing Wash (approx. 20:1 in warm water) and apply with a clean cloth or cotton pad. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soften build-up before gently wiping away. For deeply crusted areas, you can wrap the leg with a soaked gauze pad under cling film for 30 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Step 2: Botanica Natural Herbal Cream to Soothe, Hydrate, and Protect
After cleansing and drying the skin, apply Botanica’s Herbal Cream—a rich, botanical-based barrier and healing salve.
Why It Works:
- Comfrey, Aloe Vera, and Lavender reduce inflammation and promote skin renewal
- Tea Tree offers natural antimicrobial support
- The cream locks in moisture, softens hardened keratin, and protects from environmental irritants
- Absorbs easily and is safe for repeated, daily use
Tip: Apply a small amount to affected areas 1–2 times per day, massaging gently to ensure absorption.
Why Choose Botanica for Mallenders?
Many Mallenders cases worsen with the use of harsh medicated shampoos or steroid creams that compromise skin barrier function. Botanica’s gentle, natural formulas:
- Support skin healing without steroidal ingredients
- Avoid parabens, alcohol, and sulfates
- Are lick-safe and non-toxic
- Can be used long-term without side effects
Conclusion: A Gentle and Effective Mallenders Solution with Botanica
Mallenders may be chronic, but it doesn’t have to be a lifelong battle. A simple, consistent skincare protocol using Botanica Cleansing Wash and Natural Herbal Cream can dramatically improve skin condition, reduce irritation, and support your horse’s comfort and performance.
Gentle care. Natural ingredients. Real relief. That’s the Botanica way.
Share
