Rain scald is one of the most common skin conditions in horses and is often seen after prolonged periods of rain. Its caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, which is a bacterium that behaves both like bacteria and fungi.It causes crusty scabs and paint-brush hair tufts that can easily be pulled off, leaving hairless, pink and raw spots that can merge into larger areas. Its mostly seen on the top of the head, neck and back and isnt usually itchy to the horse. Its not a serious disease, but may lead to more severe secondary skin infections if not treated.Managing rain scaldRain scald may settle down by itself when the horse is removed from wet weather conditions, with lesions disappearing and new hair beginning to regrow after about 10 days. However, removing the scabs gently, treating the affected areas with an antiseptic wash and disinfecting any equipment the horse may have come into contact with (such as rugs and saddlecloths) may speed up the healing process.Its advisable to not ride your horse if there are any lesions in the saddle area, as it may worsen the condition and be painful to your horse.A flaky coat is typical with rain scaldPrevention tipsThe best prevention for rain scald is to protect your horse from rain. This can be by providing shelter or by putting on a light breathable rug when theyre turned out. Bear in mind that a heavy rug may trap moisture and worsen the condition if used unnecessarily, so avoid over-rugging even if it feels cold to you.Its also important to keep any kit and tack that comes into contact with your horse clean and avoid sharing equipment with other horses.If theres no improvement in your horses rain scald, or it becomes worse despite you taking preventative measures, your vet may advise checking your horse for any underlying conditions that could weaken their immune system, such as Cushings disease.Another trigger for rain scald can be backs that become hot and sweaty when the horse is being ridden, which are then not washed off properly after. Alternatively, they may be washed off well but the back isnt given enough time to dry properly before a rug is put back on the horse. This trapped moisture is ideal conditions for rain scald to occur.Main causesDermatophilus congolensisis also one of the causes of mud fever in horses. Just as the name mud fever is misleading because the condition is not caused by mud, the name rain scald is also misleading. This is because rain scald isnt caused by rain itself, but by moisture that becomes trapped in the horses coat and has no chance to escape either because it has rained for a very long time or because a rug was put on a horse before they had completely dried.Because the bacteria lives under the rain scald scabs, it is important that these are removed before treatment is attempted. Bear in mind that this can be painful for the horse, especially if the skin underneath is sore and oozing, and so it might be necessary to soften scabs first using warm soapy water. After applying an antibacterial solution, the area should be rinsed. It is then very important to thoroughly dry the horse.Main image Shutterstock. Inset: XLEquine VetRelated contentDoes your horse really need to wear a rug when its wet?Cushings disease in horses: vet advice for recognising and managing symptomsMud fever products and barrier creams to keep legs healthyDr David Marlin explains when a horse feels coldThe post Rain scald in horses explained appeared first on Your Horse.