Protecting the face from rainscald

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Ranyhyn

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Im sure it's worse this year, but my mare gets rainscald on her face. Is there any useful trick or tip to help prevent this happening?
Could I proof a lycra hood? I hate them but she obviously needs protection
 
Lol, just replied to this on 24/7 thread. I used green oils in a very thin smeared layer on a pony with absolutely no waterproof properties of her own with good results.
 
Starbar that'd mean she'd have stayed in, every day,for the last month almost. I wouldn't keep a horse in for that amount of time for a few inches square worth of skin!!!
What are green oils?
 
I don't like turn out hoods at all as I have seen too many horses end up with them over their eyes - an accident waiting to happen as far as I am concerned. Why not try wiping something over her face as kind of barrier. I am thinking pig oil or the like. Does she have any shelter in her field so she can get out of the worst of the rain? If not can you sort something out?
 
I have had this exact problem with mine, but from sticking his head out of the stable door (we don't currently have a canopy) and this resulted in rainscald on his face. I have been smothering the front of his face with aroma heel which is the same stuff I use for his mud rash, cleared it up within a day or two. Must add there was no broken skin just a bit scabby.
 
Just to add the other two horses out there haven't got rainscald, and they are unrugged-she's just got very thin skin on her face and she's the type to stand out in any weather!
 
Green oils is the antiseptic green gel that's supposed to be for minor grazes etc. I have a rather large tub that's donkeys years old, think its actually Lincoln green antiseptic gel, but no idea if its still marketed under that title. Will either be called green oils, green gel, or green oils gel. It's like a slightly runnier consistency to vaseline. Iirc I'm sure a friend got some on a shared order we got from Robinsons a year or so ago so it is still available.
 
Have you tried double base? It's designed for humans with eczema and other dry skin conditions and can be used prior to swimming and showering to help protect the skin. I've used it on Chloe when her tail was still thin at the top and when her mane was growing back, to reduce the scurf caused by the relentless wet! reasonably cheap and in 500 ml bottles with push dispenser, therefore stable friendly!!
 
My old TB got this for the first time this year. It started in the hollows above his eyes.

Had vet friend out who suggested I might have been putting too much ointment on and to let the air get to it. I gave him a wipe over with Betadine and then left it alone and the hair is now growing back.
 
Fingers crossed that's the weather changed now but if it becomes an issue then try pig oil and sulphur.

It will make her hair look lank and greasy but its very effective. The sulphur is extremely effective antibacterial against the rainscald bacteria and the oil makes her more water proof. It can be applied directly to scabby bits (also helps soften the scabs so they can be picked off) then brush a little one her face daily.

Just make sure you path test first as some horses react to the sulphur.
 
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