Integumentum commune
The skin is the largest organ of the horse, covering approximately 2.4 square meters and weighing over 15 kg. It provides protection from the environment, temperature regulation via sweating, sensory reception, and vitamin D synthesis. Horse skin is remarkably sensitive; horses can feel a fly landing anywhere on their body and twitch the underlying cutaneous muscles to dislodge it. The skin also plays a role in immune function and barrier protection.
Dermatologic conditions are common and include infections, allergies, parasites, and trauma. Wound healing and skin integrity are important in surgical recovery and management of abrasions. Relevant in evaluations of systemic disease that manifests in the skin.
## Overview Rain rot, or dermatophilosis, is a bacterial skin infection caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. It thrives in wet, humid conditions and produces crusty, raised scabs along the back and r
## Overview Sweet itch, or insect bite hypersensitivity, is an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides midges. It is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in horses worldwide. Intense i
Persistent skin lesions, hair loss, or swelling should be evaluated. Regular grooming helps detect problems early. Protect the skin from excessive sun exposure in light-colored horses.
## Overview Rain rot, or dermatophilosis, is a bacterial skin infection caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. It thrives in wet, humid conditions and produces crusty, raised scabs along the back and rump. Hair comes out in tufts with the scab attached. The areas are often painful. Horses kept without shelter in prolonged rain are most affected. ## Causes Dermatophilus congolensis activated by prolonged moisture that damages the skin barrier. ## Diagnosis Clinical appearance. Cytology of crusts can confirm the organism. ## Treatment Keep the horse dry, gently remove crusts, and use topical antimicrobial washes. Systemic antibiotics (often penicillin) for widespread or severe cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent once the horse is kept dry and treated. ## Prevention Provide shelter and blankets in prolonged wet weather. Avoid sharing contaminated grooming tools. Signs include: crusty raised scabs along the back and rump; hair comes out in tufts with scab attached; painful to touch; worse in wet conditions
## Overview Sweet itch, or insect bite hypersensitivity, is an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides midges. It is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in horses worldwide. Intense itching affects the mane, tail, and ventral midline. Rubbing causes hair loss and thickened, corrugated skin. It is seasonal, worse in warm months, and some breeds (Icelandics, certain ponies) are predisposed. ## Causes Hypersensitivity to midge saliva. ## Diagnosis Seasonal pattern and distribution of lesions. Intradermal testing can support the diagnosis. ## Treatment Insect avoidance is the cornerstone: stabling at dawn and dusk, fans, fly sheets, and repellents. Corticosteroids or other anti-itch medications for flare-ups. Immunotherapy is used in some cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Lifelong but manageable with strict insect control. ## Prevention Minimize midge exposure during the insect season. Signs include: intense itching of the mane, tail, and ventral midline; hair loss from rubbing; thickened corrugated skin; seasonal; breed predisposition
Dermatologic conditions are common and include infections, allergies, parasites, and trauma. Wound healing and skin integrity are important in surgical recovery and management of abrasions. Relevant in evaluations of systemic disease that manifests in the skin.
Persistent skin lesions, hair loss, or swelling should be evaluated. Regular grooming helps detect problems early. Protect the skin from excessive sun exposure in light-colored horses.
See the Skin (Integument) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model