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[RC] Rain Rot - Tx Trigger

My own concern with removing the scabs, and not having much regrowth of new hair yet, would be possible sunburn to the bare, sensitive skin. But, removing the scabs is part of treatment.   Did a google, and found a couple articles on rain rot. Had no idea that it was contagious.
 
"Horses exposed to hot, humid, or rainy conditions are at risk for development of rain scald. Rain scald (rain rot, dermatophilosis, or streptothricosis) is a summertime skin disease caused by the organism Dermatophilus congolensis. It is an organism with properties of both fungi and bacteria that infects the hair follicles. Because there is damage to the hair follicle and shaft, the hair will pull out easily in small clumps leaving pink skin. The lesions also might become scabbed over or contain pus. It is most common over the back, rump, fetlock, and cannon bone.

The organism is contagious and can be spread by tack, equipment, or insects. Keeping horses clean and dry is effective for both prevention and treatment. It is also important to disinfect all tack and equipment to prevent spreading the organism. Antibacterial shampoos and rinses containing agents like chlorhexidine are effective for both equipment and animals. The use of ointments is not advised, as they tend to hold moisture in, while the goal of treatment is to keep these lesions dry."

 

And here is more reading:

 
Warm today, no rain! Yippee... But maybe I better go take a close look at the horses, since they have been in the conditions that cause rain rot.
Jonni