Prevent Summer Skin Issues Before They Begin: Focus on Equine Skin Health

We’ve seen first hand how seasonal changes — especially the transition into warm, wet weather — significantly increase the risk of skin disorders in horses. Whether your horse is in daily work, turned out on pasture, or stabled part-time, this time of year presents ideal conditions for microbial overgrowth, inflammation, and damage to the skin barrier.

But early prevention, coupled with the right topical support, can make all the difference.

Let’s explore the most common skin conditions treated during this time of year, why they occur, and how you can protect your horse before problems take hold.

🌧️ Why Summer Skin Problems Spike 🌧️

When heat meets moisture, you create a skin environment that is:

Warm (ideal for fungal and bacterial growth)

Humid (reduces evaporation, keeping skin wet longer)

Often dirty or contaminated (especially in muddy paddocks or from sweaty tack)

These conditions weaken the natural acid mantle of the horse’s skin — a thin protective film that defends against pathogens and helps maintain hydration. Once this is compromised, horses become vulnerable to irritation, infection, and inflammation.

⚠️ The Big Three: Conditions to Watch Closely

🔸 1. Mud Fever (Pastern Dermatitis)

This is not just a mud problem — it's a complex, often painful skin reaction driven by bacterial invasion, typically Dermatophilus congolensis and Staphylococcus species.

Common Signs:

Crusty, scabby lesions on the lower legs (especially the pastern and fetlock)

Sensitivity to touch, heat, and swelling

Lameness in more advanced cases

Contributing Factors:

Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy ground

Poor drainage in paddocks or turnout fields

Feathered breeds (cobs, draft horses) with heavier leg hair trapping moisture

Tip: The key is to clean the area without over-stripping the skin’s natural defences, followed by a topical barrier and antimicrobial treatment.

🔸 2. Fungal Irritations (Ringworm, Yeast, and Mould Overgrowth)

Fungi thrive in moist, dark, poorly ventilated areas — such as under girths, rugs, or manes. While ringworm (a contagious fungal infection) is often seen in younger or stressed horses, other fungal overgrowths such as Malassezia or Candida can also emerge in warm, damp skin folds.

Common Signs:

Circular patches of hair loss

Flaky skin with or without itching

Poor coat condition and persistent rubbing

Tip: Treating the infection is only part of the equation — reducing moisture, sweat, and heat retention is essential for recovery and prevention.

🔸 3. Barrier Breakdown and Friction Sores

When the skin is constantly wet or softened, it becomes more susceptible to:

Friction from tack, leading to girth galls or saddle sores

Reaction to rugs, especially in sensitive-skinned breeds

Allergens or irritants, such as plant resins or bedding dust

Common Signs:

Raw, hairless patches

Mild swelling or redness that worsens after riding

Delayed healing even with minor cuts or grazes

Tip: Regularly assess skin integrity, especially in areas where equipment contacts the skin. Look for early signs of maceration (whitening or sogginess) which can precede more serious irritation.

🐴 Your Wet-Weather Essentials: 

To effectively prevent and manage these conditions, we consistently recommend products that:

Cleanse without disrupting the microbiome

Soothe inflammation and restore skin balance

Provide a natural, breathable protective barrier

✅ Botanica Cleansing Wash

This herbal blend is gentle yet effective at lifting away:

Mud and dirt

Bacterial contaminants

Sweat and sebaceous build-up

It’s particularly useful post-turnout or post-exercise, especially when skin is already under stress. Unlike harsh detergents, this wash supports the skin’s native flora while promoting cleanliness.

✅ Botanica Anti Itch Cream 550ml

Formulated with healing botanicals and soothing agents, this cream addresses:

Redness and sensitivity

Mild microbial overgrowth

Broken or healing skin

Found especially useful in cases of pastern dermatitis, under-rug scalding, and post-fungal treatment where skin needs support to regenerate.

🔬 Why Botanica Works: 

Natural antimicrobial herbs provide gentle yet potent protection

Non-steroidal and free from irritants — ideal for sensitive horses

Proven in both preventative care and recovery protocols

Used together, these products form a comprehensive defence system — cleansing away contaminants and helping to rebuild the skin’s natural strength and resilience.

Prevention is easier than treatment. Your horse’s skin health is worth the investment.

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