Rainscald

Rain scald is another common skin infection seen in horses, most commonly around winter time. It is also referred to as ‘rain rot’ or ‘streptothricosis’. Like mud fever it is Dermatophilus congolensis that causes rain scald.

Rain scald can appear as large crust-like scabs or small matted tufts of hair. There are usually dozens of tiny scabs that have embedded in the hair and can be easily scraped off.

Underneath the scabs, the skin is usually pink with puss when the scabs are first removed, then it becomes grey and dry as it heals. It is usually hard to differentiate Rain Scald from other similar skin conditions, so if you are unsure, call your vet.

In the early stages, you will be able to feel small lumps on the horses' skin or hair by running your hand over your horse's coat.

It usually appears on the horse's back and rump. It may also appear on the tips of the horse's ears and around the eyes and muzzle.

Can Equissage help?

Yes, absolutely.

Horses really only get rainscald because their immune defences are down unless of course they are being kept in dirty rugs over a period of time. Horses that are turned out, even in the wettest of winters, should not suffer; so the fact that they do indicates that their immune system needs a boost. The offending bacteria is able to get into the skin through the minutest of scratches or bites. Remember though that as a bacterial infection rainscald can be passed from horse to horse. In the same way that a stressy type of horse often needs its magnesium reserves supplementing, the horse prone to rainscald (and indeed other skin conditions) needs its immune system giving a helping hand.

For the horse already affected with rainscald, then a bacterial skin wash is recommended for external treatment but the most effective treatment comes from the inside – by ousting out the bacteria because the living conditions are not conducive to it.

Rainscald does not usually warrant veterinary intervention unless particularly bad in which case antibiotics are given to kill off the bacteria. However herbal and homeopathic treatments are very successful in treating rainscald. This is because they are natural remedies which traditionally combat the inflammation, act as a tonic to the system, boosts the immune system and stimulate the healing process of the skin.

So what better than to use Equissage to do the job all in one? Equissage is scientically proven to reduce inflammation, improve the circulation, boost the lymphatic system and stimulate healing. Therefore not only can Equissage provide treatment for the already affected horse but also be part of preventative therapy for horses that have previously shown a tendency for it.

Application:

Use the Pad, ideally twice a day on the affected horse, on a No.2-No4 setting to gently reduce the inflammation of the skin, stimulate the lymphatic vessels (to tackle the bacteria and the pus under the scabs), promote circulation and so stimulate healing.

Thereafter use the Pad as a regular part of the horse’s management routine either on a daily basis or 3-4 times a week as a preventative measure.

For more information please call 0800 072 1180, email us at info@equissage.co.uk or request a FREE TRIAL