Scratches in Horses - How to Treat - How to Prevent

Scratches in Horses - Mud Fever in Horses


scratches in horses

To conquer and prevent horse Scratches, just as with any equine healthcare challenge, the most important step is to first gain a deeper understanding of the condition. This knowledge will lead to swifter, reliable results and ongoing prevention.

With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about these painful, difficult equine skin problems. We'll show you what they are and how to treat fungus in horses with Banixx In addition, we’ll illustrate what to watch out for and how to get rid of Scratches once they invade.

What are Horse Scratches?

First, they go by many names, such as Mud Fever in Horses, Dew Poisoning in horses, Cracked Heels in horses and finally, Pastern Dermatitis. In plain terms it's a fungal infection caused by the organism Sporotrichum schenki

It infects the deeper layers of skin in the heel, fetlock, and pasterns of horses. Since this is an area of constant movement/flexion in your horse, it makes healing much more problematic. In fact, this area never really gets much quality "rest" consequently, this results in slower healing. There's no way around this. You can't tell your horse to stand still while he heals! It's similar to when we humans get chapped, cracked heels or hands in winter. 

Symptoms: What to Look for

mud fever

Picture of Scratches in Horses

Although this saga may begin with small, pinkish ugly sores in the pastern location, without attention they rapidly progress to larger lesions.  The fetlock may be involved too. These sores or scabs rapidly become dark in color and may ooze pus and cause hair loss in more advanced cases. It's one more painful skin disorders in a horse.

See the pictures of Scratches in horses on this page. At the stage presented here, the infection is already very dark but still in the early stages.  The scabs on this horse are still quite thin and little pain is felt by him.  Because of this, the infection treatment plan is relatively simple but must be consistent.

Events that lead to Horse Scratches include:

  • Ugly, wet, cold weather, particularly in regions where mud is abundant.
  • Biting bugs and parasites that trigger pain/rashes resulting in infection.
  • Cracked heels in your horse that are intensified by his natural movement.
  • Long-term exposure to an overly moist environment
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Banixx Reviews - What Our Customers Have to Say

pictures of scratches in horses

My poor horse had the worst case of scratches and pastern dermatitis on his back legs. I treated him for over a year with other products with so-so results.

It was just awful and I was so discouraged after trying numerous remedies. Then I tried Banixx. After a few spray applications to his pasterns and heels I saw a big improvement. It honestly works. There is a lot of mud where he is so this will be a constant battle but at least I know how to treat it. I sprayed some on his back when I saw he might have a touch of rain rot but it seemed to sting him. That's the only time I felt the product caused him any discomfort.

By Kathleen M (Amazon Customer)

fungus on horses legs

My horse developed a severe case of scratches on her hind legs and has no pain tolerance what-so-ever. I have cycled through various products and remedies that were somewhat effective...when I could successfully apply them to the sensitive horse.

Although many said they did not sting, my mare said otherwise. Frustrated, I read and asked around and was guided to give Banixx a shot. I agree with other reviewers that it looks like water so I was skeptical. I was pleased to find that this is the first product that she stood still for and let me soak her legs with. So apparently it truly doesn't sting and it appears to be working beautifully with daily treatments. I've also treated other minor wounds and skin conditions effectively on my other horses with zero problems and quick results. Other products may work as advertised but they will only work if you're able to apply them. Banixx is now a barn staple for us.

By NC Horse Owner (Amazon Customer)

pastern dermatitis in horses

I have used Banixx on my horses for years. It is great because there are times when the horse won't let you touch a wound, and with the large squirt bottle you can treat a wound from 6' away!

Even better, it heals cuts and scrapes like nothing else I have ever used. Some other horse owners use vetericine, but I personally think Banixx works better and is way less expensive.

By KAREN G. (Amazon Customer)

Best product out there!how to treat horse scratches 

I use this on my dogs and horses. My vet recommended it and I have been using it ever since and would never allow myself to run out of it at the barn or inside my house.

Cures anything and everything. My opinion? Best antifungal for horses

By Amazon K. (Amazon Customer)

equine mud fever

Best wound medicine around. I find this to be the best all-around wound medicine for my horses.

I have a mare that is continually scraping her pasterns and I have been putting Banixx on them every day. It’s keeping them clean and uninfected. My vet said it is a hard injury to cure but I find with Banixx, it’s much easier. Because it doesn't smell or sting, the horses don’t object. This was a great price - I couldn't be happier, and will definitely buy again.

By Linda (Chewy Customer)

antifungal in horses

Wonderful stuff! My Shire/Trakehner mare had a brief 2-week case of scratches.

What kept it so brief? Ivermectin paste got rid of the problem from the inside, while Banixx was used on the outside and prevented re-infection. The instructions on the bottle explain exactly how to use the product to treat the problem. It's wonderful and customer-centered as much as it's pet-centered. Thumbs up! I'll post pictures of the improvement soon.

By Suzie (Amazon Customer)

    Where To Buy Banixx

    Avoid using Harmful Chemical Mixtures on this Infection.

    Scratches in horses treatment plans abound. Sadly, many older formulas or concoctions actually employ harsh chemical mixtures like iodine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil. This approach, in contrast to your intentions, actually serves to inflame and irritate the already traumatized skin. As a result the skin tissue is weakened. So, with these preparations, your problem may worsen and your horse’s pain will increase. Add to that, he will be more difficult to treat because of increased distress!

    Customer Testimonial - Success for Slim with Banixx treating his Scratches 

    Slim, a 17-year-old Thoroughbred-cross, recently got a case of Horse Scratches. Lindsey, Slim's owner, was only able to treat Slim every alternate day with the Banixx Spray resulting a in slower outcome. The results speak for themselves. Note that, along with a rapid decrease in redness and irritation, there is also a marked reduction in swelling in the pastern/ankle area.

    While we generally recommend treating Scratches twice per day, am and pm, we realize that busy schedules do not always allow for this. Lindsey now keeps an eye open for any sign of redness or puffiness around Slim's pasterns and is right there with her Banixx Spray at any suspicion of trouble. 

    See Banixx in Action

    banixx for horses

    Banixx Horse Spray

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    Scratches in Horses Require Early Treatment

    And, consistent attention. Although Scratches is caused by a fungus, if left unattended, damaging bacteria can also invade inner tissues.  Furthermore, you may encounter a situation where even vascular and lymphatic vessels may be implicated. Results will lead to serious issues such as the swelling of the lower limb. In mild cases, it may make your horse sore and tender.  But, in more advanced cases, your horse may be lame and, often, because of the distress he feels, he may refuse to move.

    Causes of Horse Scratches

    how to get rid of scratches

    Scratches on a Horse

    The most common causative source behind this nasty, painful skin infection is the Weather.  Although, not so common, Scratches can also be set off by several other triggers.

    Consequently, an equine skin disease like Scratches are mostly prevalent during cold, rainy seasons with muddy* conditions or heavy, dewy mornings.  These scenarios create the ideal conditions for Scratches to develop. It plays out as follows: Your horse’s natural skin warmth, in companionship with the season’s heavy moisture, unquestionably foster a fertile field for infection to thrive and multiply.

    *It's often called Equine Mud Fever because it's a condition that can easily develop in horses that spend time in muddy conditions.

    Other Irritation Sources
    • Insects and parasites causing irritation, open sores, and subsequent infection.
    • Dry, cracked heels in horses that are continually aggravated by your horse's movement. A simple solution to this is to keep Banixx Wound Care Cream on hand. Apply regularly to your horse’s pasterns and possibly ankles. The Banixx Wound Care Cream formula is comprised of an ultra-moisturizing blend of marine collagen, aloe vera, chamomile and other anti-inflammatory herbs.  Thus, it works in two key ways: 1. It works as a barrier cream against further aggravation.  And 2. It works to repair injured skin by keeping it supple and pliable.  Pliable, moisturized tissue leads to quicker healing and avoids scarring. Just think of how Neosporin works in humans!
    • Ringworm (another fungus).
    • Infection of hair follicles with Staphylococcal bacteria.

    For more details on conditions that lead to horse Scratches, read our FAQ      Horse Scratches again?  Why is this happening

    Treating  Scratches in Horses

    antifungal horse shampoo

    Banixx Antifungal Horse Shampoo

    Luckily, Banixx has a range of antibacterial and antifungal products ideal for treating Scratches in horses. 

    More importantly, Banixx is well-tolerated by your horse because it's odor-free; there’s no unpleasant clinical smell, in fact, there’s no scent at all.  Additionally, it’s non-oily so leaves no oily residue, but most important, it doesn't cause any stinging/burning sensation.  It’s both comfortable and safe for your horse making administration a breeze.

    Here is a simple step-by-step routine to stop Scratches in its tracks:

    1. Clipping and Scab Removal--Carefully clip excess or long hair away from the affected area without breaking the skin. Our preference is to not attempt to remove the scabs as they act as Mother Nature’s protective band-aids.  Their removal not only causes pain for your horse but leaves the area completely open to infection.

    2. Then, continue by gently washing the affected areas with Banixx Medicated Shampoo. Our soap-free shampoo formula contains 4% chlorhexidine that delivers a punch to bacteria/fungus on horses' legs/pasterns. Moreover, it's further enhanced with marine collagen that provides sea-sourced amino acids to repair damage.  All this while providing a deep-skin gentle cleansing, moisturizing action for your horse’s skin. 

    3. Pat the affected areas dry and apply Banixx spray as a gentle, topical, best antifungal for horses. Banixx will not burn or sting and will promote a quicker recovery. 
    4. Generally, the removal of scabs is not necessary.  You’ll notice after a few days of consistent Banixx spray treatment that the scabs will fall off naturally, having cleared the infection beneath them. 
    5. As a final application, you may also finish by applying a thin protective layer of Banixx Antimicrobial Wound Care CreamOur barrier cream includes premiere marine collagen, 2% chlorhexidine and herbal anti-inflammatory extracts such as aloe vera, chamomile, oil of peppermint and more. Once applied, it sets up like a protective, moisturizing, medicated band-aid over the area. 

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    Preventing Horse Scratches

    1. Maintain a Clean, Dry Living Environment as far as is possible.

    equine skin problems

    Keep stalls dry and clean

    • Keep stalls clean and dry, clean and disinfect equipment regularly.
    • Avoid early morning turnout when there is heavy dew. However, if this is unavoidable, apply a thin protective layer of Banixx Wound Care Cream that will dry like a medicated band-aid. This will block most, or all of the early morning dew and protect your horse.
    • Similarly, if your horse is regularly in muddy areas, apply a protective layer of Banixx Wound Care Cream to block mud from sticking to the limbs as much as possible.

    2. Maintenance of Feathered Legs

    Horses with Feathered legs (heavier breeds such as Drafts) are more susceptible to Scratches due to trapped dirt, warmth and moisture in their voluminous hair. Keep them clean with Banixx Medicated Shampoo.  Its a Shampoo with Conditioners but, notably, it is Soap-Free so there's nothing to dry out your horse’s skin.  Dried out skin is weaker, gets cracked easier and hence gets infected more often. Think of how your hands are in winter...often dry, rough and they can easily split. These horses with overly abundant leg hair (Feathers} trap humidity and dirt creating ideal breeding grounds for bacterial and fungal infections. 

    3. Early Detection

    Scratches can quickly escalate into a raging infection that can cause plenty of pain and lameness. Proactively watch for any signs of soreness or redness in the pastern or ankle area. Spray with Banixx to stay ahead of any troubles.

    4. Dry your Horse’s Legs

    Dry your horse's legs thoroughly before putting him up in the stall or turnout and apply an antimicrobial spray or cream like Banixx.

    5. Curb the Contagion

    It is possible to transfer the bacteria/fungus that cause Scratches from horse to horse via their environment, grooming brushes, blankets, saddle pads and tack. To minimize this:

    • Take the time to disinfect tools, equipment, environments, and practice good handwashing. 
    • Use dry, clean wraps/boots around the infected areas and be vigilant to keep each horse's boots separate.

    While horse Scratches, or Equine Mud Fever, is admittedly painful for your horse it can be effectively treated and prevented with Banixx, along with good hygiene practices and early detection. 

    Where To Buy Banixx
    Customer Testimonial - Success for with Banixx treating Chronic Progressive Lymphedema 

    I run a private small time rescue in Floresville, Texas. I started using your Banixx product for some rain rot on some of the horses that had been rescued and sent to me.  I recently took in a Draft horse that had numerous scrapes and Chronic Progressive Lymphedema. 

    After only 3 days of treatment---LOOK!--- a massive change has taken place---amazing---thank you for such a wonderful product!  Buy Banixx or buy online.

    Nickol Sullivan
    Remedy Ranch Rescue

    mud fever in horses

    Top two images show before Banixx treatment. The bottom image shows after treatment with Banixx.

    As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By "prevention" we mean being proactive and involved in your pet's welfare. For example, if you are using Banixx for a particular problem and results are not seen in a few days or, if the situation seems worse--don't hesitate---it's time to consult with your local veterinarian!