ridecamp@endurance.net: Flaking Skin on elbows, girth area, under saddle pads...

Flaking Skin on elbows, girth area, under saddle pads...

Thomas, Barb (thomas@amgen.com)
Fri, 17 Oct 1997 10:09:18 -0700

I've read several posts lately about problems with skin flaking or
chafing under the girth. This may happen because of the condition of
the terrain you ride in, but if you've ruled this out, you might want to
consider what you use to wash your girths and pads with. Most laundry
detergents contain things other that detergent, such as "optical
brightners" and perfumes. Even if you rinse thoroughly, these may be
bound to the fabric or fleece and cause irritation. As soon as I quit
washing my saddle pads and fleece girths in detergent, all my horse's
flaky skin disappeared. Now I put them in the machine in plain water,
let them soak, and wash without detergent through the longest cycle.
All surface dirt comes off but they may not be "sparkling white and
fresh as a breeze". (Where do they come up with those slogans??
Obviously never smelled a "country" breeze!) Something to consider.

Barb, Whisper (retired...can't remember what a saddle pad is!), and Wind
Dancer (sometimes flaky, but not on the skin!)

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