Horse Skin Conditions: A Complete Guide for Horse Owners
A horse’s skin does far more than simply cover the body. It regulates temperature, acts as a barrier against infections, and provides sensory feedback. Because it is constantly exposed to mud, insects, sun, tack, and the elements, skin problems are one of the most common health issues horse owners face.
This guide will help you identify your horse's skin condition.
Some conditions are minor irritations that can be managed at home, while others may indicate serious infections or even cancer. Understanding what you are looking at is the first step in helping your horse.
In this guide, we cover 31 common horse skin conditions — from mud fever to melanomas — with clear descriptions, management tips, and when to call the vet.
📖 Table of Contents
Common Bacterial & Fungal Horse Skin Problems
Mud Fever / Scratches / Pastern Dermatitis
Dermatophytosis (Other Fungal Infections)
Allergic & Irritant Horse Skin Conditions
Sweet Itch (Insect Bite Hypersensitivity)
Parasitic Horse Skin Conditions
Mange (Chorioptic, Sarcoptic, Demodectic)
Growths, Tumours & Unusual Horse Skin Problems
Nodular Necrobiosis (Collagenolytic Granuloma)
Vitiligo (“Arabian Pink Skin”)
Emergency Horse Skin Conditions
Final Thoughts on Horse Skin Health
Common Bacterial & Fungal Horse Skin Problems
Rain Rot (Dermatophilosis)
What it is: Rain rot is a bacterial infection caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. It thrives in wet, humid conditions, leading to scabby patches on the back, rump, or shoulders. When the scabs fall off, small tufts of hair come with them, leaving raw skin beneath.
Treatment & care:
- Wash with antibacterial shampoo or cleanser.
- Keep the horse dry and groomed.
- Remove scabs gently once softened.
- Apply Botanica Natural Herbal Cream to soothe raw skin.
When to call the vet: If the condition spreads or causes pain.
See our in depth article on rain rot here.
Mud Fever / Scratches / Pastern Dermatitis
What it is: This condition affects the skin around the pasterns, especially in muddy or wet fields. It appears as scabs, cracks, and sometimes painful swelling. Left untreated, it can spread up the leg and cause lameness.
Treatment & care:
- Clean and dry legs daily.
- Apply Botanica Natural Herbal Cream as a protective layer.
- Clip feathers if necessary.
When to call the vet: If swelling spreads up the leg or lameness develops.
Greasy Heel
What it is: Often considered a severe form of mud fever, greasy heel is characterized by thick, greasy-looking scabs that ooze discharge. It can be difficult to manage if the horse remains in damp, muddy conditions.
Treatment & care:
- Wash with mild antiseptic solutions.
- Keep legs clean and dry.
- Provide good nutrition for skin health.
When to call the vet: For persistent or infected cases.
Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)
What it is: Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection. It creates circular, hairless patches with scaly or crusty edges. Because it spreads easily between horses, tack, and even people, strict hygiene is important.
Treatment & care:
- Isolate infected horses.
- Disinfect tack, stables, and brushes.
- Use veterinary antifungal shampoos or creams.
When to call the vet: Always — ringworm spreads easily to horses, people, and equipment.
Folliculitis
What it is: Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. It presents as small pimples or crusty bumps, usually on areas under tack or sweaty parts of the body. It can be bacterial or fungal in origin.
Treatment & care:
- Clip affected areas.
- Wash with antibacterial cleansers, or try Botanica Cleansing Wash.
- Keep tack clean and dry.
When to call the vet: If infections spread or turn into abscesses.
Dermatophytosis (Other Fungal Infections)
What it is: Beyond ringworm, horses can suffer other fungal skin infections that cause scaling, crusting, and hair loss. They spread in damp, unhygienic conditions and require antifungal treatment.
Treatment & care:
- Improve stable hygiene and ventilation.
- Treat with antifungal products.
When to call the vet: If several horses are affected or infection keeps returning.
Allergic & Irritant Horse Skin Conditions
Sweet Itch (Insect Bite Hypersensitivity)
What it is: Sweet itch is caused by an allergic reaction to midge bites. Horses with this condition rub themselves relentlessly, often damaging their mane, tail, and midline skin. It is seasonal, flaring in warmer months.
Treatment & care:
- Use fly rugs and repellents, protect with Botanica Fly Spray.
- Stable horses during dawn and dusk.
- Apply soothing creams like Botanica Natural Herbal Cream.
When to call the vet: If self-trauma causes bleeding or infection.
Urticaria (Hives)
What it is: Hives show up as raised, soft lumps on the skin. They can appear suddenly after exposure to an allergen, such as certain feeds, medications, or insect bites. They usually resolve quickly but may reappear with ongoing exposure.
Treatment & care:
- Remove suspected triggers.
- Cold hosing may reduce swelling.
When to call the vet: If hives don’t improve within 24 hours or the horse has breathing difficulty.
Contact Dermatitis
What it is: This reaction occurs when the skin touches something irritating, such as certain bedding types, plants, or topical products. It leads to redness, itching, and sometimes blistering.
Treatment & care:
- Remove the irritant.
- Wash skin with mild cleansers.
- Apply soothing ointments.
When to call the vet: If blistering or open sores appear.
Photosensitivity / Sunburn
What it is: Some horses, especially those with pink skin or white markings, are prone to sunburn. In other cases, photosensitivity occurs when the horse ingests certain plants or chemicals that make the skin unusually sensitive to sunlight.
Treatment & care:
- Use UV fly masks and horse-safe sunblock.
- Provide shade.
- Protect delicate skin with Botanica Natural Herbal Cream.
When to call the vet: If blisters form or skin becomes infected.
Papular Dermatitis
What it is: Papular dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction, often from insects, that results in multiple small, raised bumps. It may be itchy but usually resolves once the trigger is removed.
Treatment & care:
- Fly protection is key.
- Mild cases resolve when insects are gone.
When to call the vet: If itching is severe or lesions worsen.
Alopecia (Hair Loss)
What it is: Alopecia refers to hair loss that may result from rubbing, infections, allergies, or systemic illness. The pattern of loss often gives clues about the cause.
Treatment & care:
- Investigate diet, parasites, or environment.
- Support with nutritional supplements.
When to call the vet: If hair loss is widespread or unexplained.
Parasitic Horse Skin Conditions
Mange (Chorioptic, Sarcoptic, Demodectic)
What it is: Mange is caused by different species of mites. It leads to intense itching, hair loss, and crusty skin. Chorioptic mange is especially common in feathered horses, while sarcoptic mange is rarer but more severe.
Treatment & care:
- Clip feathers for easier treatment.
- Use prescribed medicated washes or injections.
- Treat all in-contact horses.
When to call the vet: Always — mange requires veterinary treatment.
Lice (Pediculosis)
What it is: Lice infestations make horses itchy and lead to patchy hair loss, especially in winter when thick coats provide shelter. Two types exist—biting lice that feed on skin debris and sucking lice that feed on blood.
Treatment & care:
- Wash with lice shampoos or powders.
- Disinfect blankets, brushes, and stables.
- Improve nutrition for coat strength.
When to call the vet: If lice persist despite treatment.
Tick Infestations
What it is: Ticks attach to the skin to feed on blood, causing irritation and sometimes transmitting diseases. Horses grazing in wooded or scrubby areas are more at risk.
Treatment & care:
- Check horses daily during tick season.
- Use repellents like Botanica Fly Spray.
- Remove ticks with a proper tick tool.
When to call the vet: If swelling, fever, or lameness follows a tick bite.
Onchocerciasis (Summer Mange)
What it is: Caused by the parasite Onchocerca, this condition results in itchy nodules, hair loss, and thickened skin. It is linked to blackfly bites and is more common in certain geographic regions.
Treatment & care:
- Control flies.
- Vets may prescribe ivermectin or moxidectin.
When to call the vet: If nodules or persistent itching develop.
Growths, Tumours & Unusual Horse Skin Problems
Warts (Papillomas)
What it is: Young horses are most likely to develop warts caused by the papillomavirus. They appear as small, cauliflower-like growths on the muzzle, lips, or eyelids. They are usually harmless and resolve without treatment.
Treatment & care:
- Usually resolve without treatment.
- Maintain hygiene to prevent spreading.
When to call the vet: If warts interfere with eating or persist for months.
Sarcoids
What it is: Sarcoids are the most common skin tumour in horses. They come in several forms, ranging from flat, scaly patches to large, ulcerated lumps. They rarely spread internally but can be persistent and difficult to treat.
Treatment & care:
- Avoid irritating sarcoids.
- Vets may recommend surgery, cryotherapy, or topical treatments.
When to call the vet: Always — sarcoid management is specialist.
Melanomas
What it is: Most often seen in grey horses, melanomas are dark pigmented tumours that develop under the tail, around the anus, or near the sheath. Many remain stable for years, but some grow aggressively.
Treatment & care:
- Monitor growth.
- Keep area clean.
When to call the vet: If tumours enlarge, ulcerate, or interfere with function.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
What it is: This type of skin cancer typically appears on lightly pigmented areas such as the eyelids, muzzle, or genitals. It can be locally invasive and needs veterinary attention for treatment.
Treatment & care:
- Early surgical removal is best.
- Protect light areas from sunlight.
When to call the vet: Immediately if suspicious lumps appear.
Cutaneous Lymphoma
What it is: A rare cancer of the skin, cutaneous lymphoma can cause nodules, plaques, or ulcerated lesions. Its progression varies, but it often requires biopsy to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment & care:
- Requires veterinary diagnosis.
- Some cases respond to steroids or chemotherapy.
When to call the vet: At the first sign of unexplained nodules.
Nodular Necrobiosis (Collagenolytic Granuloma)
What it is: These firm, raised nodules are thought to be a reaction to insect bites or minor trauma. They are generally harmless but can be surgically removed if bothersome.
Treatment & care:
- May regress naturally.
- Can be removed surgically if irritating.
When to call the vet: If lumps interfere with tack or ulcerate.
Eosinophilic Granuloma
What it is: This condition presents as firm, non-painful lumps, often along the neck or back. They are caused by an overreaction of the immune system, often linked to insect bites.
Treatment & care:
- Some disappear without treatment.
- Steroids may be used for stubborn lumps.
When to call the vet: If lumps spread or persist.
Vitiligo (“Arabian Pink Skin”)
What it is: Vitiligo is a cosmetic condition where pigment is lost in patches, often around the muzzle or eyes. It is most commonly seen in Arabian horses and does not cause discomfort.
Treatment & care:
- No treatment required.
- Protect depigmented areas from sunburn.
When to call the vet: Only if other symptoms appear.
Pemphigus Foliaceus
What it is: A rare autoimmune disease, pemphigus foliaceus causes crusty, scaly lesions that spread across the body. Horses may also have fever and swelling. It usually requires long-term management.
Treatment & care:
- Requires long-term veterinary management.
- Support with skin-friendly topical care.
When to call the vet: Always — this is a serious condition.
Epidermolysis Bullosa
What it is: This is a very rare inherited disorder where foals are born with fragile skin that blisters and tears easily. Sadly, it is often fatal, and affected foals may not survive long after birth.
rare congenital condition where foals are born with fragile, blistering skin.
Treatment & care:
- Supportive only — sadly, foals often do not survive long term.
When to call the vet: Immediately — diagnosis and welfare decisions are essential.
Emergency Horse Skin Conditions
Dermatitis (General)
What it is: Dermatitis simply means inflammation of the skin. It can be triggered by infections, allergies, or irritants, and presents with redness, heat, swelling, and sometimes oozing sores.
Treatment & care:
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Remove possible irritants.
When to call the vet: If dermatitis is spreading or recurring.
Cellulitis
What it is: Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection under the skin. It causes sudden, painful swelling of a leg, often accompanied by heat and lameness. It requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Treatment & care:
- Veterinary emergency requiring antibiotics.
- Cold hosing and bandaging may help temporarily.
When to call the vet: Immediately — cellulitis can become life-threatening.
Pythiosis (“Swamp Cancer”)
What it is: More common in tropical climates, pythiosis is a fungal-like infection that creates large, ulcerated lesions with proud flesh. It is difficult to treat and often progressive.
Treatment & care:
- Difficult to treat; often requires surgery.
- Prevent by avoiding stagnant water.
When to call the vet: Always — pythiosis is progressive.
Final Thoughts on Horse Skin Health
Many horse skin conditions are mild and manageable with good stable management, regular grooming, and parasite control. Others — such as cellulitis, cancers, or autoimmune diseases — require urgent veterinary treatment.
If you notice unusual lumps, persistent itching, hair loss, or rapidly spreading sores, contact your vet without delay. Early action improves outcomes and helps keep your horse comfortable and healthy.
Explore Botanica’s natural equine range, including our Natural Herbal Cream and Fly Spray, designed to support healthy skin and repel biting insects.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common horse skin problem?
Mud fever, rain rot, and sweet itch are among the most common skin issues horse owners face. These are usually linked to wet conditions, insect bites, or poor grooming environments.
Can humans catch horse skin infections?
Yes, some conditions like ringworm are zoonotic, meaning they can pass between horses and people. Always wear gloves when handling infected horses and disinfect tack and grooming tools.
How do I know if my horse’s skin condition needs a vet?
Call your vet if:
- The problem spreads quickly.
- Your horse is in pain or lame.
- There is swelling, discharge, or heat.
- Lumps grow or change rapidly.
How can I prevent horse skin problems?
- Maintain clean, dry stables and paddocks.
- Groom regularly with the best horse detangler and check skin under tack.
- Use fly protection and Botanica Fly Spray in summer.
- Provide a balanced diet with skin-supporting nutrients.
Are some breeds more prone to skin conditions?
Yes — heavy breeds with feathers often develop mud fever and mallenders, while grey horses are more prone to melanomas. Arabians are more likely to develop vitiligo.
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