Horses skin peeling and showing pink skin

[holdyourponies]

Hi everyone,

Recently I noticed that my Thoroughbred had a rough coat in some places (only small patches) and when I went to feel it, the skin peeled back completely showing the pink skin underneath so he now has a small patch of open, pink skin on his left flank.
Any ideas what this might be, what may of caused it, how to treat it and how to stop it scarring?

Thank you.

 

[GlamourPuss86]

Rain scald possibly?

 

[RunToEarth]

When I first bought my previous horse his shoulders did a very similar thing in the sun. I had the vet out who thought he was photosensitive due to having eaten ragwort at some point which had caused this reaction - it might be worth having the vet take some bloods? Is it possible that it could just be sunburn/ a reaction to something (one of ours leant on a creosoted fence last week and has reacted to that)

 

[locl6]

it could be sun sensitivity- in which case just use a fly rug that reflects the light.
My cob had bumps that were pinky and the vet said he had a reaction to buttercups ( unfortunately there's loads about!!!) I found aloe-vera gel was really soothing for him and relieved any discomfort. the best I can suggest is to wear a fly rug!
if they are open and look sore however sudo crème is probably a better option.

 

[Fransurrey]

Are you using fly spray, OP? Some horses react to it in exactly this way, particularly DEET.

 

[3Beasties]

Are you using fly spray, OP? Some horses react to it in exactly this way, particularly DEET.

This! Have heard it happening a few times lately!

 

[soulfull]

Also it could be ringworm

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Benzyl benzoate (in fly sprays, sweet itch cream and sudocreme) can make the skin peel if the horse is allergic to it.

 

[[59668]]

Sounds like ringworm

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

If your horse isn't itching or there's no rash it might be seasonal alopecia, not uncommon when the climate/weather has been all over the place. If it is the coat always comes back OK.