Greasy heel (also known as mud fever or pastern dermatitis in some cases) is one of the most common and frustrating skin conditions faced by UK horse owners. It ranges from mild scabbing to painful, inflamed, weeping lesions that can cause lameness if left untreated.
Effective management requires understanding the cause — not just repeatedly washing the legs.
This guide explains how greasy heel develops, how to treat it safely, and how to prevent recurrence.
What Is Greasy Heel?
Greasy heel is an inflammatory skin condition affecting the lower limbs, particularly the back of the pasterns and heels.
It typically presents as:
- Scabs
- Matted hair
- Thickened skin
- Crusty lesions
- Oozing discharge in severe cases
In advanced cases, swelling and lameness may develop.
Why It Is So Common in the UK
The UK climate creates ideal conditions:
- Persistent mud
- Wet fields
- High rainfall
- Clay-based soil
- Winter turnout
Prolonged moisture softens skin, weakening its natural barrier and allowing bacteria to enter.
Greasy heel is not “just mud.” It is a skin barrier failure combined with bacterial invasion.
Common Causes
Greasy heel can be triggered by:
- Prolonged wet conditions
- Infrequent leg drying
- Skin trauma from rough brushing
- Excessive washing
- Photosensitivity reactions
- Mite infestations (especially in feathered breeds)
Repeated washing with harsh products often worsens the condition.
Early Signs to Watch For
Early detection prevents escalation.
Look for:
- Slight scurfiness at back of pastern
- Mild scabbing
- Small raised bumps
- Sensitivity when touched
- Localised heat
Do not ignore small scabs — they can spread quickly in wet conditions.
Treatment: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Clip Hair (If Necessary)
If heavy feathering traps moisture, carefully clip hair around the affected area.
This:
- Improves airflow
- Allows better cleaning
- Prevents moisture retention
Clip gently and avoid further skin trauma.
Step 2: Clean Gently — Not Aggressively
Do not scrub harshly.
Instead:
- Use lukewarm water
- Mild antiseptic solution (vet-advised)
- Soft cloth
Avoid soaking for prolonged periods.
After cleaning, pat dry thoroughly.
Moisture left behind prolongs healing.
Step 3: Remove Loose Scabs Carefully
Only remove scabs that lift easily.
Do not force attached scabs — this causes bleeding and deeper tissue damage.
If scabs are thick and persistent, seek veterinary advice.
Step 4: Apply Barrier or Antibacterial Cream
Depending on severity:
- Mild cases: protective barrier cream
- Moderate cases: antibacterial ointment
- Severe cases: veterinary-prescribed treatment
Barrier creams help prevent further moisture penetration.
Step 5: Keep Legs Dry
Turnout management is critical.
If possible:
- Use dry paddock areas
- Rotate fields
- Stable during extreme mud conditions
- Dry legs after turnout
Constant wetting and drying cycles worsen inflammation.
When to Call the Vet
Seek veterinary input if:
- Swelling extends above the fetlock
- Lameness develops
- Skin becomes cracked and bleeding
- Lesions spread rapidly
- Condition fails to improve within 5–7 days
Severe cases may require systemic antibiotics.
Preventing Recurrence
Prevention focuses on moisture control and skin protection.
Avoid Over-Washing
Daily hosing removes natural oils.
Instead:
- Brush off dried mud
- Only wash when necessary
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning
Improve Field Management
- Provide hardcore gateways
- Rotate grazing
- Reduce standing mud areas
Environmental control reduces risk dramatically.
Strengthen Skin Barrier
Balanced nutrition supports skin health.
Ensure:
- Adequate zinc
- Adequate copper
- Omega fatty acids
Poor skin quality increases susceptibility.
Check for Mites in Feathered Breeds
Cobs and heavily feathered horses may develop:
- Itchiness
- Stamping
- Thickened scaly skin
Mite treatment may be required.
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
- Repeated harsh scrubbing
- Applying thick grease over wet scabs
- Leaving legs damp under heavy feather
- Ignoring early scurfiness
More washing does not equal faster healing.
Controlled care does.
The Core Principle
Greasy heel is:
- A moisture management issue
- A skin barrier issue
- A hygiene balance issue
Treatment must:
- Clean gently
- Dry thoroughly
- Protect appropriately
Prevention relies more on management than medication.
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Knowledge Hub: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/knowledge-hub/
Category: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/category/grooming-skin/
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