Skin irritation in horses is often attributed to weather, rug rubs or grooming issues. However, parasites are a common and frequently overlooked cause of persistent itching, hair loss and skin inflammation.
External parasites can significantly affect welfare, performance and comfort. Early identification and appropriate treatment prevent escalation and long-term skin damage.
This guide explains how parasites affect equine skin, how to recognise the signs, and what responsible management looks like.
Why Parasites Target Skin
Parasites survive by feeding on:
- Blood
- Skin debris
- Tissue fluids
The skin provides warmth, shelter and access to nutrients. Horses in close contact environments — such as shared fields or yards — are particularly vulnerable.
Skin irritation is often the first visible symptom.
1. Mites (Chorioptic and Other Types)
Mites are microscopic parasites that burrow or live on the skin surface.
They are particularly common in:
- Feathered breeds (cobs, drafts)
- Horses with thick leg hair
- Wet winter conditions
Signs of Mite Infestation
- Intense stamping of hind legs
- Persistent rubbing of legs
- Thickened, scaly skin
- Crust formation
- Hair loss around fetlocks
Left untreated, mites can cause chronic inflammation and secondary infection.
Diagnosis may require veterinary skin scraping.
2. Lice
Lice are visible parasites that live in the coat.
Infestations are more common in:
- Winter months
- Horses with thick coats
- Animals in poor condition
Signs of Lice
- Excessive scratching
- Patchy hair loss
- Dull coat
- Visible small insects at base of hair
- Irritability
Lice spread through direct contact or shared grooming equipment.
Prompt treatment and hygiene control are essential.
3. Pinworms
Pinworms affect the digestive tract but cause significant skin irritation around the tail head.
Signs of Pinworm Irritation
- Persistent tail rubbing
- Broken tail hairs
- Bald dock
- Thickened skin at tail base
Pinworm eggs are laid around the anus, causing intense itching.
Treatment requires specific deworming protocols and hygiene measures.
4. Sweet Itch (Culicoides Hypersensitivity)
Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to midge bites.
It is not caused by the parasite itself, but by hypersensitivity to saliva.
Signs of Sweet Itch
- Severe mane rubbing
- Tail rubbing
- Thickened skin
- Hair loss along crest
- Raw patches in severe cases
Seasonal timing is key — symptoms worsen in warmer months.
Management focuses on prevention, not cure.
5. Ticks
Ticks attach to skin and feed on blood.
Often found:
- Under mane
- Between hind legs
- Around ears
- Under tail
Signs of Tick Attachment
- Small dark lump
- Localised swelling
- Occasionally mild irritation
Remove carefully and monitor for swelling.
Heavy tick populations may require pasture management.
6. Fleas (Rare but Possible)
Fleas are less common in horses but may occur where dogs or cats share the environment.
Signs include:
- Randomised itching
- Small red bite marks
- Irritability
Consult vet if suspected.
Differentiating Parasites from Other Skin Issues
Parasite irritation often presents as:
- Localised itching
- Repetitive behaviour (stamping, rubbing)
- Progressive hair loss
Non-parasitic causes may include:
- Allergies
- Fungal infections
- Bacterial dermatitis
- Nutritional imbalance
If skin condition persists despite treatment, reassessment is required.
Treatment Principles
Treatment depends on parasite type.
General principles include:
- Veterinary confirmation when possible
- Correct topical or systemic medication
- Cleaning and disinfecting grooming equipment
- Washing rugs and saddle pads
- Treating field companions if required
Incomplete treatment often leads to recurrence.
Hygiene and Prevention
Preventative management includes:
- Regular grooming
- Separate grooming kits per horse
- Rug washing schedule
- Field rotation where possible
- Monitoring new arrivals
Biosecurity protects entire yard.
When to Call the Vet
Seek veterinary advice if:
- Skin becomes thickened and cracked
- Lameness develops
- Horse shows severe discomfort
- Condition spreads rapidly
- Over-the-counter treatments fail
Early professional intervention reduces long-term damage.
The Core Principle
Parasite-related skin irritation is:
- Common
- Treatable
- Preventable with good management
Persistent itching is not “normal behaviour.”
Skin health reflects both environmental hygiene and internal balance.
Prompt recognition and correct treatment restore comfort quickly — and prevent avoidable suffering.
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Category: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/category/grooming-skin/
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