Equine Ringworm Treatment

Equine ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of a horse's skin, hair or hooves. Sores are contagious to both horses and humans. Dermatophytosis can be passed by contact from horse to horse or horse to human. The infection can also be transmitted through stall bedding and riding tack. To prescribe the right ringworm treatment, veterinarians will test for Trichophyton equinum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes; Trichophyton verrucosum, Microsporum gypseum; and Microsporum canis.

  1. Treatment

    • Treatment options relieve uncomfortable symptoms and create a healing atmosphere, but they don't actually cure the disease. Symptoms are swollen skin, hair loss and painful lesions. These are most often found in the horse's saddle or girth contact areas, or near the pasterns. As with many fungal infections, equine ringworm will eventually fade away on its own. The most pressing reason for ringworm treatment is to halt its spread.

      The goal is to keep other horses and people healthy and the stable environment uncontaminated. Begin treatment by removing crusty scabs from the sores. Apply antifungal preparations containing miconazole or chlorhexadine with a sponge or brush. Ringworm treatment should begin daily for the first week, and then twice a week for up to 8 weeks.

      If you handle other horses, be sure to treat the affected animal last and wash your hands thoroughly. Continue the regimen until 2 weeks after equine ringworm symptoms disappear. Because fungal infections tend to grow in dark, moist places, dry bedding and adequate exposure to sunlight will promote health during and after infection.

    Decontamination

    • Part of ringworm treatment is to remove the fungi that cause it in other horses and people. Young animals and humans are most susceptible to contracting dermatophytosis.

      Fungal infection spread can be curbed with a 5 to 10 percent bleach solution. Use it to clean brushes, saddles, blankets, leg wraps and other items that come in contact with the contagious horse. For stall floors and bedding, a 5 percent lime sulfur or povidone iodine solution will work.

      Disinfect gear and the environment as often as possible. If you are in contact with other horses on the premises or another location, you may want to wear coveralls that you can remove and wash as needed.

      Wear rubber gloves or scrub hands after treating horses and disinfecting tack. Remember that, just as easily as your horse can pass along equine ringworm, transmission from others is a danger when traveling or showing. Routinely disinfecting tack and gear while on the road will keep your horse from getting or giving dermatophytosis.