Rain Scald in Horses

When moisture sits, the skin starts to struggle

Winter doesn’t just challenge the ground, it challenges the coat & skin integrity.

You’ll often notice it after a stretch of rain.
A rug that hasn’t quite dried properly.
A coat that feels heavier than it should.

Then it shows up.

Raised scabs.
Hair lifting in small clumps.
Skin that feels sensitive under your hand.

Rain scald is common, however like most skin issues, it’s not random.

What’s actually happening

Rain scald (dermatophilosis) tends to develop when moisture sits on the skin for too long.

Not just rain, it's:

• damp coats that don’t fully dry
• rugs trapping moisture close to the skin
• limited airflow through thicker winter coats

Over time, that constant dampness begins to affect the skin barrier.

And once that barrier is under pressure, the skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation and imbalance.

Why winter makes it worse

It’s not one wet day, it’s the accumulation.

• repeated rain events
• rugs layered over damp coats
• minimal sun or airflow
• longer drying times

The skin isn’t getting the chance to reset.

And that’s where problems tend to build.

Start here: reduce the load on the skin

Before anything else, focus on reducing what’s causing the pressure.

Keep the coat as dry as possible

• swap out wet rugs promptly
• avoid rugging damp horses
• allow airflow wherever you can

Provide shelter and dry breaks

• access to stables, trees, or run-ins
• bring horses in during prolonged wet periods

Manage contact surfaces

• avoid areas that stay consistently waterlogged
• provide dry standing zones where possible

It doesn’t need to be perfect.
But the less time the skin spends damp, the better it will hold up.

Don’t rush the process

Scabs are part of the skin’s response.

They can be tempting to remove, pulling them off too early can:

• expose sensitive underlying skin
• increase irritation
• slow recovery

A better approach is to:

support the skin so they soften and release naturally over time

Don’t stop grooming

Movement matters just as much as moisture

When skin is under pressure, it’s easy to pull back on grooming.

But in most cases, consistent, gentle grooming becomes more important—not less.

Brushing and curry comb use can help:

• lift loose hair, scurf, and dry skin build-up
• improve airflow through thicker winter coats
• stimulate circulation to the skin
• support natural lymphatic movement

All of which contribute to how well the skin can reset and maintain balance.

How to approach it

This isn’t about aggressive grooming.

Keep it:

• light and consistent
• avoid overly sensitive areas
• work around, not against compromised skin

Over-grooming or aggressive brushing may irritate already sensitive areas, and in more severe cases, some horses may benefit from reduced handling initially while the skin settles.

Think of it as:

encouraging the skin to function properly—rather than forcing it to.

Supporting the skin—layered, not overloaded

Rain scald responds best to a layered approach—supporting the skin without overwhelming it.

W Plus+ Balm

A protective layer for exposed or compromised areas

W Plus+ Balm is ideal where the skin needs protection and conditioning.

• forms a breathable, water-resistant barrier
• helps soften scabs gradually
• supports skin exposed to ongoing environmental stress

Use sparingly on affected areas where a protective layer is needed.

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Aloe Vera Gel & Spray (Soothing & Calm)

When the skin needs cooling, hydration, and balance

When skin feels warm, tight, or reactive, lighter support matters.

Aloe Gel and Spray:

• provide a cooling, hydrating layer
• absorb quickly without trapping moisture
• are ideal for larger surface areas like the back and rump

They’re especially useful when:

• coats are thick
• rugs are being used
  
• you want support without heaviness

Soothing & Calm Sunscreen Powder

A simple way to manage moisture and reduce additional stress

While often associated with sun protection, mineral powders can also play a role in moisture-prone conditions.

• zinc helps create a light, breathable barrier
• can assist in reducing surface moisture
• supports skin that’s already under pressure

It’s a simple addition when you’re trying to reduce the load on the skin, not add to it.

Support from within

DERMAblend

Because skin health doesn’t start on the surface.

Rain scald often reflects more than just what’s happening externally.

DERMAblend supports:

• skin and coat condition
• horses under seasonal stress
• overall nutritional balance

With trace minerals, omega-3s, amino acids, and plant-based ingredients, it helps support the systems that contribute to skin resilience over time.

Because:

what you see on the surface often starts deeper.

Bringing it together

Rain scald isn’t just about bacteria.

It’s about:

• moisture sitting for too long
• skin that can’t recover
• and conditions that keep repeating

The most effective approach is to:

• reduce moisture exposure
• support the skin barrier
• keep the coat moving through gentle grooming
• layer products with intention
• and maintain internal balance

The goal isn’t perfection

It’s resilience.

A coat that dries properly.
Skin that can recover.
And a system that holds up through winter.

Veterinary note

If symptoms persist or worsen, we recommend consulting your veterinarian.
These products and suggestions are designed to support your horse’s care routine, but do not replace professional veterinary advice where required.