Horse Skin Scabs & Hair Loss

Skin problems and hair loss on horses can be attributed to anything from basic itchy skin to serious disease, which can cause horses to scratch obsessively, resulting in scabbing skin and hair loss. In order to fully understand the cause of a horse's skin ailment, contact a veterinarian about performing a skin biopsy.

  1. Accurate Diagnosis

    • Skin problems and hair loss can be caused by allergies, fungal infections, and pests. In order to accurately diagnose the problem, contact a veterinarian prior to beginning treatment.

    Itchy Skin

    • Itchy skin is one of the most common causes of hair loss and skin scabs in horses. When their skin itches, horses will scratch and rub the itch continually.

    Gnat Bites

    • Many horses are allergic to gnat bites, which can contribute to hair loss and scabs. Bring horses indoors during evening hours when gnats are most likely to bite.

    Lice

    • Lice attack horses in the same way they attack humans. Lice infestation is a typical cause of skin and hair problems in horses. Treat horses with a medicated, lice-killing shampoo.

    Ringworm

    • Ringworm, a fungal infection, is characterized by oval shaped lesions and patchy hair loss. All equipment used on a ringworm infected horse needs to be sterilized, and the horse should be isolated until the infection clears.

    Skin Disease

    • Benign skin cancer can cause scabbing and hair loss in horses; therefore, a skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out cancer.