Horse Skin Diseases

Skin diseases can be one of the most often overlooked health problems in horses and can get out of control if not properly addressed. Skin problems can also be the cause of behavioral changes in a horse, so it's important to be able to recognize the symptoms and address the problems.

  1. Photosensitization

    • Horses--especially white or light-colored horses--can be susceptible to photosensitization, or sunburn. It is characterized by redness or swelling, especially in the nose or ears, and is usually caused by something in the horse's diet, even clover or alfalfa, that triggers a skin reaction with the sun.

    Rain Rot

    • Rain rot occurs when damaged skin is constantly exposed to moisture. It is contagious, passed between horses by flies and ticks as well as brushes and halters. It is most usually visible across the back and hindquarters and appears as matted, bleeding scabs.

    Ringworm

    • Ringworm is one of the most common skin diseases and is not only contagious between horses but can be passed to humans as well. A fungal infection, first signs are usually raised, circular lesions on the skin often on the face, girth and shoulders.

    Mange

    • There are a number of different types of mange, but all are caused by lice and mites. Common signs of mange are skin lesions, often on the parts of the horse with thick hair such as the forelock, mane and base of the tail. In heavy draft horses, mange can also occur in the horses' trademark, heavily feathered fetlocks.

    Sweet Itch (Summer Itch)

    • As its name suggests, it's often seen in the summer months and is caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites. Some horses are more susceptible to it than others, and is often seen as peeling, dry, flaking skin often on the rump, shoulders and along the mane.

    Allergic Contact Dermatitis

    • Signs vary by each individual horse, and can range from swelling and mild redness to flaking, itching skin, hair loss and roughening of the skin. It is often seen in select, hypersensitive horses, and while it will follow the horse for life, it is also easier to contain once the source is determined. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of changing bedding or feed.

    Saddle Eczema

    • Improperly fitting tack can cause skin lesions and visible pressure points that can indicate a much larger problem. When the saddle or bridle rubs the horse's back or head and creates raw patches on the skin, it often signifies a problem that can be solved by correctly fitting the horse's tack.