Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment.
Rain Rot, also known as Dermatophilosis or Rain Scald is a bacterial skin infection. In a wet environment, these usually dormant bacteria that always live on horses’ skin, become reactive and cause inflammation. In order to cause an infection, these bacteria need to penetrate the skin with the help of insect bites, open wounds, softened skin through constant exposure to moisture or friction.
Symptoms
Postules
Itchy Skin
Skin Lesions
Sensitive Skin
Crusted Skin
Reddened Skin
Matted Coat
Fur Loss
Common in
Hot and humid climate
Rain
Floods
Hurricanes
Treatment
Treatment of rain rot typically involves the use of medicated shampoos and topical antimicrobial ointments or sprays. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. It is also important to keep the horse’s environment clean and dry, and to provide adequate ventilation to reduce the humidity. Grooming and clipping the affected area can also help to remove scabs and allow the ointment to reach the affected skin.
Prevention
Minimizing exposure to moisture will keep the bacteria dorment. When washing the horse, use topical antibacterial shampoos and fully dry the coat. Use sprays and repellents against insects and other pests.
How Happie can help you manage your horse's health
Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.
With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.
The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.