Rash around horse's muzzle

[Medrum]

I don't know whether anyone would be able to help. My horse has been rubbing his face raw over the last couple of days. Yesterday I noticed there were small hard bumps around his mouth and nose, with a few having a crusty yellow substance around them.

It seems to me that either he has eaten something which has caused a reaction or disturbed a nest of something which has bitten him around his nose and mouth. He is not itching anywhere else.

Having checked the field the only thing of note is a patch of nettles in the corner where the droppings are put, which have been stripped and I wonder if this could be the culprit? Or could it be all the insects which are disturbed if you walk on this area?

Any ideas on the cause and subsequent treatment would be much appreciated before he rubs any more big patches of skin off.

 

[4x4]

I see no-one has replied to you. Mine has sweet-itch and is covered in rugs and mask but the last couple of weeks he too has come out in a scabby rash around his muzzle and lower cheek (where the mask ends). I have washed the mask in non-allergy washing stuff but every time I am out I am being bitten to death on the surface and inside my clothes with little midges so I think it's just an extension of the sweet-itch. Maybe try a little sudo cream or hypo care?

 

[Medrum]

Thanks, I will try that. Although it seems odd that he is not being bitten elsewhere. He has a rug but only standard neck so most of his neck is exposed, and parts of his back legs, which is why I suspected eating nettles or an insect nest.

 

[Buddy'sMum]

I reckon he's been munching on the nettles - mine love nettles but only eat them when I've pulled or cut them and they've wilted and lost their sting. If it is a nettle sting rash, it'll go away quickly.