Caring for Skin in Wet & Muddy Conditions

As our winters continue to be wet with high levels of rain fall leaving many areas flooded and waterlogged, we are seeing more breakouts of skin issues caused by these wet conditions, such as Mud Fever and Rain Scald.

Mud Fever, also known as pastern dermatitis, is a common condition caused typically in wet, damp, and muddy conditions often by the bacterium Dermatophilus Congolensis. Although this bacterium is a normal inhabitant of the skin, in moist conditions with constant damage to the skin, infection occurs. This is seen as crusts and scabs, with clumps of hair coming away when the scabs are removed. Often the skin is inflamed, with some scabs oozing and in the cases of Mud Fever, swelling of the pastern and acute lameness is seen. 

Caring for our equines skin during the wet winter months can help reduce the risk of mud fever and rain scald. Reducing exposure to wet muddy conditions and keeping pasterns, particularly in horses with white legs and feathers, clean and dry will prevent infection. 

Supplements and creams can often help reducing symptoms of Mud Fever and Rain Scald. By supporting the skin, improving the skin's barrier, and boosting the immune system we can prevent severe flare ups during our wet winters. 

Mud-X and Mud-X Cream both contain soothing properties to maintain the correct bacterial balance of the skin, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system. Its unique blend of herbs such as Turmeric - a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which helps sooth inflamed skin, Cedar - a natural insecticide, bactericide, and anti-inflammatory aiming to reduce flaky, dry, irritated skin and Fennel which soothes the digestive tract and skin, being full of vit A, C, and E which protects skin cells, supports skin health, and also soothes irritated areas.  

Both our Mud-X herbal blends can be used together, with Mud-X cream being used on any troublesome spots once in from the field, clean and dry. Together these can help to keep your horse safe and sound throughout even the worst wet winters.

Written by Jo Holt MRCVS