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Rain scald (mycotic dermatitis) is a skin condition caused by the Dermatophilus organism. It is most common in warm, humid areas and wet, rainy seasons, usually appearing within 2 – 5 days of continuous rain.
The organism contaminates pasture, and often affects young or newly introduced horses. The infection is spread by either rolling in mud, direct contact between horses, or transmission by stable and house flies carrying the organism from the skin lesions of infected horses.
Scald may be seen in summer or winter, and may be confused with ringworm. Consult your vet for an accurate diagnosis.
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Symptoms of rain scald
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- Small areas of hair loss, with small scabs of matted hair, which when pulled, leave moist pink to grey holes or craters of pus material in the skin.
- The lesions are distributed in areas that continuously get wet and drain poorly, such as along the backline and croup area where the skin becomes soft and less resistant to the invasion of the organism.
- Contact with wet, abrasive grass (muzzle, lower legs) also lacerates the skin and allows infection to establish
- In racehorses, training on cinder tracks during wet weather causes abrasion and ‘pitting’ with infection to the front of the hind cannons. They are not usually itchy, but feel warm and are sore when the skin is pressed or the scab is picked or rubbed off. Areas of white skin appear more susceptible.
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Treatment of rain scald
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- Wet the horse and wash thoroughly with an iodine wash. Rub in well and leave lather for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
- Apply Sea Minerals Dermal cream or spray or Septicide Antiseptic cream to severe lesions to promote healing
- Continue treatment for 3 – 5 days
- If the condition persists, consult your vet for advice – a course of antibiotics may be necessary in severe generalized conditions
- Keeping the horse stabled to allow the skin to dry aids control during wet or very humid weather
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Prevention of rain scald
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- Remove horse from the pasture or muddy yards during prolonged periods of wet or moist, humid weather, to a stable with clean, dry bedding
- In paddocked horses, ensure rugs are waterproof and the horse is dry before putting on heavy rugs
- Supplementing the diet with a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement will help maintain optimum skin health and resistance
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Article courtesy of Dr John Kohnke from ‘Health Care and problems of Horses, 9th edition’ published by Virbac-Vetsearch.
Dr John Kohnke has over 20 years of experience in the health care and management of horses. He is well known for his ability to give sound, practical and up-to-date advice, which is sought by trainers and horse owners worldwide. As Technical Director of Vetsearch for 20 years, John had an opportunity to pursue research in equine nutrition, parasite control, lameness and respiratory problems.
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