What Does Rain Scald Look Like?
Rain Scald, also known as Rain Rot or Equine Dermatitis, is a skin infection horses are susceptible to that causes matted scabbing.
It’s very similar to mud fever, but spread across more of the body, covering the back and rump. It’s most often an issue in wet and warm conditions when the skin can soften, but any break in the skins protective barrier, such as insect bites or a scratch, can allow pathogenic microbes to enter and start an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my horse get Rain Scald and how do I prevent it?
Horses usually get rain scald when moisture breaks down the skin's natural defense or when their immune system is compromised. Prevention is always better than cure.
Externally, a regular mist of EquineCare Probiotic Spray adds a protective layer of beneficial bacteria to the coat to crowd out pathogens before they take hold. Internally, recurrent infections often signal a gap in immune health. Adding EquineCare Gut Support can boost the immune system from the inside out, helping your horse fight off skin infections naturally before they even start.
How do you treat Rain Scald effectively?
The golden rule is to keep the horse dry, but treatment methods vary significantly. Traditionally, owners are told to soak and scrub scabs off with antimicrobial shampoos, which can be incredibly painful for the horse and leaves raw skin exposed.
A gentler, modern approach is to use EquineCare Probiotic Spray. This allows you to treat the area without painful scrubbing. The beneficial microbes in the spray naturally out-compete the infection, allowing the scabs to fall off on their own as the healthy skin heals underneath.
Is Rain Scald contagious?
Yes, rain scald is contagious and spreads easily between horses via shared brushes, tack, and rugs. It is largely environmental, so good hygiene is critical to stop it from moving through your herd.
However, when treating the horse, be mindful of how you sanitise. If you are using a probiotic approach to clear the infection, avoid using harsh chemical disinfectants directly on the horse's skin. Strong chemicals will kill the "good guys" in the probiotic spray alongside the bad bacteria, which can slow down the natural healing process.
Can I ride a horse with Rain Scald?
Generally, no. Putting a saddle or girth directly over scabs is painful and can drive the bacteria deeper into the dermis, worsening the infection. The focus should be on rapid healing so you can get back to work.
Using a spray-on probiotic often speeds up recovery time compared to harsh scrubbing because it doesn't traumatise the tissue. You should wait until the scabs have lifted naturally and the skin is no longer sensitive before tacking up again.
Will the hair grow back, or will there be scarring?
Usually, the hair grows back within a week or two, but how you treat the infection matters significantly. Aggressive scrubbing and picking at scabs, as recommended in traditional treatments can damage the hair follicles, potentially causing the hair to grow back white or leaving permanent scars.
By using EquineCare Probiotic Spray, you avoid this trauma entirely. Since you don't need to physically rip the scabs off, the skin heals naturally and creates the perfect environment for healthy, pigmented hair to return without cosmetic damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products
Horses usually get rain scald when moisture breaks down the skin's natural defense or when their immune system is compromised. Prevention is always better than cure.
Externally, a regular mist of EquineCare Probiotic Spray adds a protective layer of beneficial bacteria to the coat to crowd out pathogens before they take hold. Internally, recurrent infections often signal a gap in immune health. Adding EquineCare Gut Support can boost the immune system from the inside out, helping your horse fight off skin infections naturally before they even start.
The golden rule is to keep the horse dry, but treatment methods vary significantly. Traditionally, owners are told to soak and scrub scabs off with antimicrobial shampoos, which can be incredibly painful for the horse and leaves raw skin exposed.
A gentler, modern approach is to use EquineCare Probiotic Spray. This allows you to treat the area without painful scrubbing. The beneficial microbes in the spray naturally out-compete the infection, allowing the scabs to fall off on their own as the healthy skin heals underneath.
Yes, rain scald is contagious and spreads easily between horses via shared brushes, tack, and rugs. It is largely environmental, so good hygiene is critical to stop it from moving through your herd.
However, when treating the horse, be mindful of how you sanitise. If you are using a probiotic approach to clear the infection, avoid using harsh chemical disinfectants directly on the horse's skin. Strong chemicals will kill the "good guys" in the probiotic spray alongside the bad bacteria, which can slow down the natural healing process.
Generally, no. Putting a saddle or girth directly over scabs is painful and can drive the bacteria deeper into the dermis, worsening the infection. The focus should be on rapid healing so you can get back to work.
Using a spray-on probiotic often speeds up recovery time compared to harsh scrubbing because it doesn't traumatise the tissue. You should wait until the scabs have lifted naturally and the skin is no longer sensitive before tacking up again.
Usually, the hair grows back within a week or two, but how you treat the infection matters significantly. Aggressive scrubbing and picking at scabs, as recommended in traditional treatments can damage the hair follicles, potentially causing the hair to grow back white or leaving permanent scars.
By using EquineCare Probiotic Spray, you avoid this trauma entirely. Since you don't need to physically rip the scabs off, the skin heals naturally and creates the perfect environment for healthy, pigmented hair to return without cosmetic damage.
Recommended Solution for Rain Scald
Our trusted formula heals rain scald quickly with a non-toxic solution that's easy to apply. Safe for your horse and effective for fast relief.
EquineCare Probiotic 1 Litre – Powerful Natural Support for Mud Fever, Rain Scald, Thrush & More
Hear From Horse Owners Like You
My OTTB developed rain scald after being paddocked with 5 other horses. Got the vet out to him, was given antibiotics and washes and creams . They didn’t work and I saw this come up. I brought the extra large container and it was absolutely amazing . He’s finally free of rain scald after! I couldn’t recommend it any more . Kind and easy application . Now I just put it on once a week and he’s a very happy horse ! The best rain scald product out there!! No regrets.