Winter Skin Problems in Horses
Date Posted:23 June 2025
Wet, muddy paddocks and cold, damp weather can wreak havoc on your horse’s skin during winter. From rain scald to mud fever, these common skin issues thrive in the very conditions that winter brings and they can be uncomfortable, painful and frustrating to treat if not caught early.
Common Winter Skin Conditions in Horses
- Mud Fever (Pastern Dermatitis): Caused by bacteria that thrive in wet, muddy conditions. It often affects the lower limbs and causes scabs, swelling, and lameness.
- Rain Scald (Dermatophilosis): A bacterial skin infection triggered by prolonged wetness. It causes scabby lesions along the back and rump.
- Fungal Infections: Moisture combined with reduced grooming can lead to fungal overgrowth and irritation.
- Chapped Skin & Dryness: Cold winds and wet rugs can lead to flaking, cracking skin and discomfort.
- Greasy Heel: Often confused with mud fever, this is an inflammatory skin condition that can lead to thick scabbing and hair loss on the heels, commonly seen in horses with white socks.
- Sweet Itch (Queensland Itch): While more common in warmer months, some horses in northern Australia may still react to midges year-round, especially in humid winter areas.
- Pressure Sores: Can occur under poorly fitting or constantly wet rugs, particularly on the withers or shoulders.
Don’t forget that cracked skin can make your horse more prone to secondary infections. Grooming daily, even just a quick check, allows you to spot minor issues before they escalate.
How to Prevent Winter Skin Problems
The best prevention is to keep your horse dry and clean. Use waterproof rugs, regularly groom your horse (even when it’s cold!), and avoid letting mud build up on their legs. Choose paddocks with good drainage when possible and give their skin a chance to dry out daily.
Also consider using barrier creams or sprays on the lower limbs before turnout, especially on those horses prone to mud fever. A zinc-based protective layer can go a long way.
Skin Protection & Healing
- Aluspray 210ml Aerosol – A breathable, antibacterial spray that forms a protective barrier over wounds. Ideal for field use to prevent infection.
- Animalintex Poultice – A versatile poultice dressing that draws out infection and soothes inflammation. Can be used hot or cold.
- Proud Aid 100gm – Specialised paste for treating proud flesh and minor wounds. Promotes healthy healing and prevents scarring.
- White Healer – Antibacterial healing cream for greasy heel, cuts and minor wounds. Zinc-based with skin-soothing properties.
- Fungazol Cream 100g – Topical antifungal cream that helps treat fungal skin infections in horses. Useful for rain scald and ringworm.
- Fungafite Cream – Effective cream for fungal infections affecting the skin, hooves, and nails. Antifungal and antibacterial action.
- Kelato QuickHeal – A thick, soothing cream that protects wounds and assists healing in wet, muddy conditions. Great for skin irritations.
Shop All Skin Care & Protection
Hoof Health & Protection
- Absorbine Hooflex Frog and Sole Care – Designed to treat and prevent hoof conditions like thrush. Penetrates frog and sole to kill bacteria and fungi.
- Equine Health Science Hoof Fix – A premium hoof supplement that supports strong, healthy hoof growth and structure. Great for brittle or damaged hooves.
- Kelato Hoofprime Hoof Dressing – A nourishing dressing that maintains hoof moisture balance and protects from drying and cracking during winter.
Final Tips
Inspect your horse daily for early signs of skin issues and act quickly. Keeping the skin clean, dry, and supported by the right topical products can make all the difference during the chilly months. Explore our full range of horse skin care solutions here.
And don’t forget hoof health, wet weather can soften hooves and increase the risk of thrush and cracks. Consider a hoof-hardening treatment and keep hooves picked out regularly to prevent moisture build-up.
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