Skin Conditions Decision Helper
Use this quick checker to sort common skin problems by location, appearance, season, and contagion risk, then get owner-safe first steps and when to call your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell mud fever from rain rot?
Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) mainly affects heels/pasterns with painful fissures and thick scabs—often after wet, muddy turnout. Rain rot causes tufted “paint-brush” crusts on the topline or areas under tack, especially in warm, humid weather.
When should I call the vet instead of home care?
Call promptly for fever (≥101.5°F/38.6°C), marked pain/lameness or swelling, rapid spread, foul odour or pus, lesions over a joint/large area, foals/immunocompromised horses, or no improvement after 7–10 days of careful home care.
Is rain rot contagious?
It can spread via shared tack, brushes, or close contact. Isolate grooming tools, launder saddle pads/blankets, and disinfect shared surfaces. Do not share equipment while lesions are active.
Could circular bald patches be ringworm?
Yes—round patches with scaling or broken hairs can be ringworm (dermatophytes). It’s highly contagious and zoonotic. Isolate the horse, use gloves, and contact your veterinarian for diagnosis and a barn-level disinfection plan.
Should I pick off scabs?
Avoid aggressive picking. After softening with warm water or a vet-directed wash, gently lift only loose crusts and pat dry. Painful, adherent scabs should not be forcefully removed.
What are the first owner-safe steps for mud fever?
Move to a dry area, keep heels clean and dry after turnout, consider limited hygiene trim if hair traps moisture (avoid clipping inflamed skin), use dedicated towels/brushes, and discuss antiseptic/medicated protocols with your vet.
What are the first owner-safe steps for rain rot?
Reduce moisture and friction (limit wet blankets/sweat), launder pads/blankets hot, disinfect brushes, gently remove only softened loose crusts, and follow a vet-directed antiseptic wash schedule.
How can I lower contagion risk in the barn?
Assign dedicated tools to affected horses, wear gloves, clean and disinfect shared areas, and launder textiles on hot. Pause sharing of tack and grooming kits until lesions resolve.
Where can I read detailed guides?
See our step-by-step articles: Mud Fever (Pastern Dermatitis): Owner-Safe Treatment & Prevention and Rain Rot: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment. Use the helper for triage and call your vet for diagnosis and medications.