- 1 September 2025
- by Red Horse Team
- Skin care
From flaky patches to oozing scabs, skin issues are a frequent – and frustrating – part of horse ownership. Whether your horse has come in from the field with some mystery lumps or is constantly rubbing their mane raw, skin conditions can crop up at any time of year and escalate quickly if left untreated.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at six of the most common skin conditions affecting horses in the UK. We’ll break down what causes them, how to spot the signs early and what you can do to treat and prevent them. Whether you’re caring for a fully clipped competition horse or a stoic native, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference to your horse’s comfort and wellbeing.
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Sweet itch
What causes it?
Sweet itch – also known as culicoides hypersensitivity, summer eczema, or summer dermatitis – is one of the most common skin conditions affecting horses in the UK. It’s caused by an allergic reaction to bites from midges, mosquitoes, or flies. The tell-tale sign is intense itching, usually around the mane and tail, though it can also show up on the belly and other areas. You might notice your horse rubbing in the field and see scaly patches or hair loss where they’ve been scratching.
How can you tackle it?
While there’s no cure just yet, there are lots of ways to manage sweet itch and keep your horse more comfortable.
Topical treatments like anti-itch shampoos, sprays and oils, such as our Sweet Oil, can help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. Look for products that contain skin-calming ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil or neem. Aside from this, keeping your horse covered with a fly mask and rug, as well as keeping him away from the flies during peak times of day can help, to reduce the symptoms, too.
On the nutritional front, supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids – like ground flaxseed or evening primrose oil – have been shown to reduce allergic reactions and can be a great addition to your horse’s bucket feed.
In more severe cases, your vet might recommend antihistamines or corticosteroids to provide relief. These treatments can be particularly helpful during peak midge season.
Can you prevent it?
Prevention really is key when it comes to managing sweet itch. Regular grooming will help you spot symptoms early and keep your horse’s skin in top condition.
Invest in a good-quality fly rug with a belly cover and neck piece to reduce the risk of bites. Stabling your horse during peak midge activity – typically at dawn and dusk – can also make a big difference. If possible, avoid turnout in damp, wooded areas or near standing water, as these are prime breeding grounds for midges. On the flip side, breezy, open locations tend to be less buggy.
Start your fly protection routine early in the year before the midges arrive. Early intervention with topical products, dietary supplements and environmental management gives you the best chance of heading off symptoms.
Looking ahead…
There’s some exciting research on the horizon in the form of a new sweet itch vaccine. It’s been formulated to target the allergic response to midge bites and is currently undergoing clinical trials, with over 50% of horses in the study showing a significant improvement in symptoms. While it’s not widely available yet, it’s a promising step forward in the fight against sweet itch.
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Mud fever
What causes it?
Mud fever – also known as equine pastern dermatitis (EPD) – is a common skin condition, especially during the wet winter months. It’s caused by prolonged exposure to mud, moisture and cold, which weakens the skin’s natural barrier. This makes it easier for bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus to invade, leading to inflammation, hair loss, scabbing, and sometimes painful lesions on the pasterns and lower limbs.
Horses with feathers are often more at risk as the longer hair tends to trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive – and because the skin is hidden, symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed until the condition has progressed.
How can you tackle it?
If your horse shows signs of mud fever, the first step is to gently clean the affected area. Use warm water and a mild antiseptic like diluted Hibiscrub to remove dirt and soften any scabs. After rinsing, make sure you dry the legs thoroughly with a clean towel or consider using quick-drying leg wraps to reduce skin exposure to dampness and provide extra warmth.
Apply a medicated barrier cream that allows the skin to breathe – ask your vet to advise one if you’re unsure – but try to avoid thick, greasy ointments that can block airflow and trap bacteria.
If the condition is severe or not improving, it’s worth consulting your vet – they may recommend a course of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory treatment.
Can you prevent it?
Prevention is all about minimising moisture and maintaining healthy skin:
- Dry your horse’s legs thoroughly after turnout or washing.
- Provide a dry standing area in the field or stable to allow legs to dry naturally.
- Avoid excessive washing with harsh shampoos – research shows this can disrupt the skin’s microbiota and make it more vulnerable to infection.
- Consider using lightweight turnout boots designed to protect against mud without trapping moisture.
- Keep bedding and turnout areas as clean and dry as possible.
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Lice
What causes it?
Lice infestations in horses are typically caused by one of two species: Bovicola equi (biting lice) or Haematopinus asini (sucking lice). These tiny parasites thrive in the colder months and are highly contagious, spreading easily through direct contact with an infested horse or via shared items like grooming brushes, rugs, or tack. If your horse has lice, you’ll likely spot signs such as intense itching, restlessness and bald patches where they’ve been rubbing.
How can you tackle it?
The first step in treating lice is applying a vet-recommended topical insecticide to kill the parasites. These treatments may need to be repeated after a couple of weeks to catch any newly hatched lice. Once the infestation is under control, use a soothing cream can help calm irritated skin and support hair regrowth.
It’s important to treat all horses in contact with the affected individual and thoroughly clean shared equipment to prevent reinfestation.
Can you prevent it?
While lice can be hard to completely avoid, regular grooming is your best line of defence. Keeping your horse healthy with good nutrition and managing stress levels also supports skin resilience. During high-risk times, such as winter, inspect your horse frequently and act quickly if you spot any signs of lice.
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Rain Scald
What causes it?
Rain scald—also known as dermatophilosis—is a bacterial skin infection caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. While it’s often associated with horses left out in cold, wet weather, it’s not just rain exposure that triggers it. Overrugging can also lead to the condition, as sweating under heavy rugs creates the warm, damp environment the bacteria thrive in.
The infection typically appears along the back, rump and sometimes the legs, presenting as clumped, matted hair with scabs. Wet, humid conditions soften the skin and reduce its ability to act as a barrier, making it easier for bacteria to take hold.
How can you tackle it?
Start by removing your horse from the damp environment and ensuring they stay dry and well-sheltered. Carefully soften and remove the scabs (your vet can guide you on how to do this safely), then wash the area with an antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine.
In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe a course of antibiotics or recommend topical treatments like silver sulfadiazine cream to support healing. Keeping the affected area clean and dry is essential throughout recovery.
Can you prevent it?
Preventing rain scald is all about good management. Provide access to shelter in wet weather, avoid leaving your horse in rugs that may cause sweating and always check your rugging matches the weather conditions. Horses with fine coats or sensitive skin may benefit from light waterproof rugs, but it’s important to strike the right balance – too much coverage can be as risky as too little.
Regular grooming and daily checks will help you spot any early signs so you can act quickly.
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Warts (Papillomas)
What causes them?
Warts in horses – more formally known as papillomas – are caused by the equine papillomavirus. They’re most commonly seen in younger horses, particularly those under three years old, as their immune systems are still developing.
You’ll typically spot them around the muzzle and lips, though they can also appear on the eyelids, genitals, or other areas. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected horses or indirectly via shared grooming tools, buckets or tack.
How can you tackle them?
The good news is that warts are generally harmless and will often clear up on their own within one to six months as the horse’s immune system strengthens. However, if the warts become particularly unsightly, uncomfortable or are in an awkward spot that interferes with tack, there are treatment options.
Your vet may suggest topical treatments, freezing (cryotherapy) or surgical removal. Interestingly, there’s a case report that indicates oral ivermectin might help resolve papillomas, but more research is needed before it’s widely recommended.
Can you prevent them?
Prevention mostly comes down to good stable hygiene and avoiding close contact between young horses and those known to be infected. Don’t share grooming kits or feed buckets between horses without cleaning them thoroughly, especially in yards where warts have been spotted. Regular disinfection and good biosecurity go a long way in reducing the spread.
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Aural Plaques
What causes them?
Aural plaques are flat, crusty white or grey lesions that develop on the inside of a horse’s ears. They’re thought to be caused by a type of papillomavirus and are commonly spread by biting insects – particularly black flies.
While many horses with aural plaques show no obvious discomfort, some can become head-shy or show signs of irritation when their ears are touched, making grooming or bridling a challenge.
How can you tackle them?
Treating aural plaques can be tricky. They tend to be stubborn and don’t usually respond well to traditional treatments. However, one pilot study showed promising results using a 5% imiquimod cream (often known by the brand name Aldara), with many horses showing a reduction or resolution of plaques. That said, the treatment can cause local inflammation, and in some cases, horses need to be sedated during application to ensure it’s done safely and comfortably.
While not a treatment in itself, our Ear Balm can help soothe and moisturise dry, irritated ears during the summer months, keeping your horse as comfortable as possible.
Can you prevent them?
Because biting insects are the main culprits in spreading the virus, the best defence is fly control. Use fly sprays or repellents regularly and consider using ear covers or fly masks with ear protection, especially during peak insect season. Keeping your yard clean and managing standing water can help reduce the number of flies and limit transmission, too.
In Conclusion
Skin conditions are a common challenge for horse owners, but with a strong understanding of the causes, early signs and how to treat and prevent them, you can make a real difference to your horse’s comfort and overall health. Left unchecked, even minor issues can escalate – so staying one step ahead is key.
As always, if you’re unsure or the condition doesn’t improve, it’s best to speak to your vet for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. With the right care and a proactive approach, most skin conditions can be managed effectively, helping to keep your horse happy, healthy and feeling their best all year round.
At Red Horse Products, we’re dedicated to supporting you in your horse’s daily skin care. Our skin care range is designed to offer natural, effective relief for common skin complaints like sweet itch, mud fever and more.
References:
Mencke, N., et al. (2004) ‘Dermatological and parasitological evaluation of infestations with chewing lice (Werneckiella equi) on horses and treatment using imidacloprid’, Parasitology Research, 92(1), pp. 44–48.
Merck Veterinary Manual (2020) ‘Dermatophilosis (“Rain Rot”) in Horses’. Available at: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/horse-owners/skin-disorders-of-horses/dermatophilosis-rain-rot-in-horses (Accessed: 30 May 2025).
Merck Veterinary Manual (2021) ‘Equine Aural Plaques – Ear Disorders’. Available at: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/diseases-of-the-pinna/equine-aural-plaques (Accessed: 30 May 2025).
O’Neill, W., McKee, S. and Clarke, A. (2002) ‘Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation associated with reduced skin test lesional area in horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity’, Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 66(4), pp. 272–277.
Schulz, J., Fieseler, L., Wieler, L.H., Walther, B. and Schoster, A. (2022) ‘Next-generation sequencing reveals nasal and pastern colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in horses with pastern dermatitis’, Veterinary Microbiology, 265, 109331. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35209904/ (Accessed: 30 May 2025).
Theelen, M.J.P., Schotanus, B.A., Gröne, A., Ensink, J.M. and van der Kolk, J.H. (2021) ‘Equine pastern dermatitis: bacterial microbiota of the skin in relation to lesion severity and meteorological conditions’, Veterinary Dermatology, 32(1), pp. 15–e4. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vde.12912 (Accessed: 30 May 2025).
Vetster (2023) ‘Warts (Papillomatosis) in Horses – Causes, Treatment and Prevention’. Available at: https://vetster.com/en/conditions/horse/warts-papillomatosis (Accessed: 30 May 2025).