RAIN ROT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is rain rot?

Rain rot is one of the most common skin problems seen in horses. It is also referred to as “muck itch“ or "rain scald." The organism that causes rain rot appears in warm, damp conditions where high temperature and high humidity exist. Although this condition is not life threatening, it can certainly make your horse sick and miserable, sometimes running high fevers as the body attempts to combat the problem. Imagine having open sores all over your body…

What causes rain rot?

The organism dermatophilus congolensis causes rain rot. Dermatophilus congolensis is not a fungus. It is an actinomycetes, which behaves like both bacteria and fungi. The organism is carried on the horse’s skin. Generally rain rot crops up during the spring. The horse has a dirty coat with all sorts of organisms including dermatophiles. Spring rains water the area and the hot sun allows them to flourish, just like growing your spring garden --
in this case, a very nasty harvest

What does rain rot look like?

Rain rot can appear as large crust-like scabs, or small 1/4 inch matted tufts of hair. There are usually dozens of tiny scabs with embedded hair. These scabs can be easily scraped off. Underneath the scabs, the skin is usually (but not always) pink with pus. Once the scab is removed, the sore becomes gray and dry as it heals.

Often when the hair grows back, the follicle has been damaged and the hair will grow back white. Unless you intend your horse to look like an Appaloosa coat gone wrong, it’s best to begin treatment right away.

Check your horse often for rain rot. In the early stages, you will be able to feel small lumps on the horse’s skin or hair by running your hand over your horse's coat.

 

 

In what region is rain rot most common?

Rain rot can be present in any horse around the world, but is most common in tropical or sub tropical climates where high temperatures and prolonged rainfall create the perfect environment for the organism to flourish.

What conditions are usually present?

Rain rot is generally seen in horses with heavy coats and a significant dirt layer on the skin. Horses who have been pastured during winter and have not been bathed are especially susceptible. There has to be moisture present. Horses with thick coats are more likely to keep the moisture close to their skin.

Will rain rot go away on its own?

“All illnesses eventually come to an end“… Yes, eventually it will. Horses will naturally get rid of the thriving dermatophiles as they shed out their winter coat. However, this condition is very painful for your horse and can spread quickly, sometimes engulfing the entire horse. You should not wait for it to go away...start treating it now! Left untreated, it is likely that a secondary bacterial infection may occur. The most common secondary bacterial infections are known as staphylococcus (staph), and streptococcus (strep). It is very important to treat rain rot immediately, since any secondary bacterial infection may be even more resistant and difficult to treat, sometimes requiring antibiotic therapy.

How does rain rot spread?

Dermatophilus congolensis can spread by simple contact with anything contaminated by an infected horse. The good news is, just because one horse gets rain rot, another horse may not. However, prevention is a must. After each use, disinfect any equipment shared between horses. The same applies to any surfaces the horses may rub against.

Where does rain rot appear?

Usually on the horse's back and croup, along with the pastern region, front of the cannon bone, along the back of the hind legs, tips of the horse's ears and around the eyes and muzzle. When rain rot appears on the pastern joint it is referred to as “dew poisoning” or “scratches.“

Are the scabs painful to the horse?

Yes, the scabs are painful to the horse. Just as it would be painful to you to have nasty, oozing scabs that caused your hair to fall out. Removing the scabs is also painful and many horses will be violently resistant to the picking of scabs. It is not necessary to spend too much time picking scabs because EQUIDERMA products will do this for you.

How is rain rot treated?

Dermatophilus congolensis grows better in dark, wet places. So let the sunshine in!

Eliminate the heavy hair coat (if your horse's coat is long), and gently remove any loose scabs. Don’t spend too much time doing this because it is painful to your horse and remember, EQUIDERMA will do the job for you!

The best treatment is to apply EQUIDERMA Antibacterial-Antifungal Lotion and leave it alone.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO PUT YOURSELF OR YOUR HORSE THROUGH DIFFICULT DAILY BATHS, OR THE USE OF HARMFUL ANTI-BIOTICS or STEROIDS. EQUIDERMA WILL GET RID OF RAIN ROT IN RECORD TIME WITH VERY LITTLE EFFORT AND WITH NO PAIN TO YOUR HORSE. WE HAVE SO MUCH FAITH IN EQUIDERMA PRODUCTS THAT WE OFFER YOU THIS GUARANTEE… IF YOU DO NOT SEE A MARKED IMPROVEMENT WITHIN 24 HOURS WE WILL REFUND 100% OF YOUR MONEY!

THE TREATMENT: 1. Get the skin really clean so that you have a clean playing field on which to do battle. Use EQUIDERMA NEEM OIL THERAPEUTIC SHAMPOO. Lather the horse, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. It is not necessary to use strong chemical shampoos. 2. Next, apply EQUIDERMA SKIN LOTION. EQUIDERMA ANTIBACTERIAL-ANTIFUNGAL is a leave-on lotion that will do the work for you. WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL SEE A DRASTIC DIFFERENCE WITH THE FIRST TREATMENT OR WE WILL SEND YOUR MONEY BACK! 3. The dermatophiles on the horse's skin must be killed. This can be accomplished by reapplying EQUIDERMA every other day until the organism is killed. This will be accomplished in two to three treatments.