There are many problems that can affect a horse’s skin–from insect allergies to fungal, viral, or bacterial infections. The skin is the body’s largest and most important organ; it protects the inner structures of the body from the outside environment. Although it consists of many layers and is tough and resilient (and generally heals quickly when injured), if the skin is compromised too much, the horse’s health is at risk. Skin problems can be minor or serious, but even minor ones should be properly diagnosed and monitored to make sure they don’t become major.

There are some general terms to describe a variety of skin conditions that can be caused by several different things. If your veterinarian says your horse has dermatitis, or dandruff, or scratches, this is not a diagnosis; he/she will check further to determine what is actually causing the signs you’re seeing.

Dermatitis

Christine Rees, DVM, veterinary dermatologist at Texas A&M University, explains that dermatitis simply means inflammation of the skin. “It could be inflammation due to allergy, or infection, or be secondary to trauma and injury,” she says. The horse also might be rubbing and itching for some other reason and resultant trauma to the skin could lead to dermatitis