How To Treat Rain Rot In Horses With Banixx

Rain Rot, also known as Rain Scald is a common skin disease/infection in horses caused by Dermatophilus congolensis (bacteria). Although it’s one of the more common horse skin infections, it’s not as serious as it looks. Banixx, used as a painless rain rot treatment, provides a simple, swift and cost-effective answer to this pesky problem.

To treat rain rot on horses (also rain scald), spray Banixx liberally against the direction of the hair. Do not remove the scabs; Banixx assists your horse in debriding these scabs painlessly and naturally with its unique pH solution. In order to get the full benefit of your Banixx application, make sure that you saturate the entire rain rot area. It’s often a good idea to spray a little beyond the edges of the affected area in order to really contain the infection. As you spray, gently pat Banixx into your horse’s rain rot affected skin to ensure good saturation. With consistent use (2-3 times daily) as a rain rot treatment for horses, you should begin to see results in 2-4 days.

If the rain rot scabs are particularly hard or thick, begin rain rot treatment with the Banixx Medicated Shampoo with Marine Collagen to soften them and prepare the surface for regular Banixx spray.

Note: Rain Rot is often confused with Dew Poisoning. Rain Rot is a bacterial skin infection whereas Dew Poisoning is predominantly a fungal infection that generally affects the lower limbs. However, since Banixx is both a potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal solution, it can be used in both situations with distinct success.

Rain rot in horses, or rain scald, is caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus spp. During periods of humid weather, these bacteria can multiply to the point that they irritate the hair follicles and skin of afflicted horses. The first telltale sign of rain rot in horses is scabby skin along the run-off pattern of water over the horse’s back and rump. Rain rot is more common in the spring and summer when rains. The warmer temperatures provide a fertile environment for bacteria to grow and multiply. However, it can also crop up during the winter months when fluctuations in temperature cause horses to sweat under their blankets. This warm, moist environment is another perfect setting for the Dermatophilus spp bacteria to grow.

In these photos, you see Jazz with rain rot on January 26th, 2016 (above/left) and then Jazz on March 29,2016 … after using Banixx to resolve the rain rot. What a difference!

The most common symptom of rain rot on horses is hair loss accompanied by a scabby looking skin. The hair will appear to rise up as little tufts as opposed to the sleek, smooth look of a typical horse, and it will fall out if rubbed or brushed. A mild case will leave a smooth, hairless skin area, but more severe cases will leave small scabs or even open sores. Though rain rot looks similar to mange in dogs, it cannot be treated in the same way.

In addition to treating your horse or pet’s skin infections, it’s always a good idea to learn what to do to avoid a recurrence of that particular skin infection. To learn more about common skin conditions in horses (and how to avoid them), click here.

NOTE: The symptoms of Cushing’s disease can often mirror certain skin conditions. If you suspect your horse has Cushing’s disease, contact your veterinarian. While Cushing’s disease has been recognized for more than 70 years, only recently are there improved diagnostic and treatment options. A horse with Cushing’s disease can live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. Learn more about Cushing’s disease.