Rain rot, also called rain scald, is a skin infection caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis. It thrives in wet, humid conditions and typically affects the horse's back, shoulders and hindquarters. The first signs of rain rot are small, raised bumps on the skin that eventually turn into crusty scabs. The hair may also fall out in patches. If left untreated, rain rot can lead to secondary infections and permanently damage the horse's coat.
The best way to prevent rain rot is to keep your horse clean and dry during wet weather. If your horse does develop rain rot, there are several ways to treat it. You can bathe the affected area with an antiseptic shampoo or wash such as Betadine or chlorhexidine gluconate. You can also apply a topical antibiotic ointment or cream to help speed up healing time. Be sure to remove any crusty scabs before applying any treatments. After bathing or applying medications, it's important to thoroughly dry the affected area to prevent further spread of the infection. In severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics