Fungal Skin Infections in Horses – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
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What is skin fungus in horses?
Skin fungus, also called dermatophytosis , is a fungal infection of the skin. It is usually caused by various types of fungi, most of which belong to the genus Trichophyton or Microsporum. The fungal spores thrive especially in warm, damp environments. It is often a contagious disease that can easily spread from one horse to another – particularly in cramped stables or through direct coat contact. The infection often affects the top layers of skin and the coat, but in severe cases can also penetrate deeper into the tissue.
Symptoms: How does skin fungus present in horses?
An early sign of skin fungus in horses is often characteristic skin changes. Affected animals typically show the following symptoms:
- Bald, round patches in the coat: Round, hairless areas appear especially on the head, shoulders, or saddle area.
- Scaly, reddened skin at the lesions: The skin in the bald areas is often reddened and covered with grayish-white scales.
- Itching and restlessness: The affected area can itch severely. The horse scratches more often or rubs against objects to relieve the itching.
- Hair breakage and coat loss: In addition to the clearly defined bald patches, surrounding hairs can also become brittle and fall out.
- Inflammation in severe cases: In advanced cases, the fungus can damage the skin so severely that inflammation, weeping areas, or crust formation occurs.
It is important to recognize an emerging fungal infection early in order to start treatment quickly before the infection spreads.
How can you tell the difference between skin fungus and mites in horses?
The symptoms of skin fungus infections and mite infestation can resemble each other, which is why a correct diagnosis is crucial. Mites (various types of mange mites) often cause intense itching and skin inflammation, which can occur not only in individual spots but also, for example, on the ears, mane, and tail base. Mite infestation is often characterized by small pustules, crusts, and general discomfort in the horse due to the intense itching.
In contrast, fungal infections are usually characterized by clearly defined, round bald patches with scaly skin. Another difference: with mite infestation, the horse is often more restless and tries to rub against things everywhere, whereas with fungus the localized changes tend to be more prominent and the itching can vary.
Ultimately, only a veterinarian can clearly determine whether mites or fungi are the cause of the skin changes. To do this, a skin sample or a hair sample is usually examined (microscopically and often via a culture in the lab). This test identifies the pathogen – detection of mites or fungal spores – and enables targeted treatment.
Causes of skin fungus infections in horses
Skin fungus often occurs when the horse's immune system is weakened or the animal is under stress. Especially during the coat change (spring or fall), many horses tend to become more susceptible to skin conditions, since the body is already under strain during this phase. Damp, unhygienic housing conditions – such as constant contact with wet, dirty ground or insufficient stable hygiene – also promote the growth of fungi on the skin.
Other contributing factors include:
- Stress (e.g. from transport, rank order disputes, or climatic changes),
- poor feed quality or nutrient deficiencies,
- inadequate grooming (e.g. when sweat and dirt remain in the coat and irritate the skin).
Often, a combination of several factors plays a role. A healthy horse with a strong immune system can occasionally come into contact with fungal spores without becoming ill – however, if the immune defenses are reduced, the fungus has an easier time.
How does skin fungus spread in horses?
Skin fungus can spread quickly, especially in shared stables or through close contact between horses. Transmission usually occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact. An infected horse can pass the spores on to a healthy animal through touch.
Grooming tools (brushes, curry combs), saddle and blanket girths, halters, blankets, or even a shared grooming area can transmit fungal spores. If several horses are groomed with the same brushes or take turns wearing the same blanket, the spores easily pass from one coat to another.
We ourselves can also spread skin fungus. Anyone who pets or grooms an infected horse and then moves on to the next horse without washing their hands or changing clothes can carry spores along. That's why hygiene when handling a horse with a fungal infection is very important (disinfecting hands, cleaning used brushes, wearing gloves if necessary) to prevent further spread.
Treatment of skin fungus in horses
The treatment of skin fungus in horses is usually done with antifungal medications, which are applied directly to the affected skin areas. Common therapeutics include special antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos that are effective against dermatophytes (skin fungi). These products contain active ingredients that inhibit fungal growth or kill the fungi (e.g. preparations containing enilconazole, miconazole, or chlorhexidine).
In persistent or severe cases, the veterinarian may additionally prescribe oral medications (antifungals in tablet form) to fight the fungus from the inside. However, this systemic treatment is rarely necessary and is usually reserved for severe infections, as it can also have side effects.
Important aspects of therapy:
- Before applying a product, the affected areas should be freed from crusts and loose hair as much as possible (careful brushing or washing) so that the medication can reach the skin directly.
- Consistency: Application must be carried out consistently according to instructions (often over several weeks), even if the affected areas already look better on the surface, in order to truly kill all fungal spores.
- The horse's environment should be cleaned and disinfected in parallel (stable, grooming tools, blankets) to prevent reinfections.
Some home remedies can be helpful as a supportive measure, but do not replace veterinary treatment.
Home remedies and alternative approaches
There are a number of home remedies traditionally used in the treatment of skin fungus.
- Apple cider vinegar: is often mentioned as a natural remedy because of its mildly antifungal and disinfecting effect. Diluted apple cider vinegar (mixed with water) can be carefully applied to the affected areas. It slightly changes the skin's environment (pH value), which can inhibit fungal growth, and helps to soothe the skin.
- Tea tree oil: is recommended because it has antifungal properties. However, it's important to always apply tea tree oil heavily diluted and only after a tolerance test, as it can cause skin irritation in some horses.
As a general rule: home remedies should only be used in consultation with the veterinarian. They can help support, but never fully replace proven medical treatments. Veterinary therapy (antifungals) should not be discontinued just because home remedies are being tried – both can often be used in parallel.
Preventing skin fungus in horses
Good hygiene and stable care are the most important measures for preventing skin fungus in horses. The following points help to minimize the risk of a fungal infection:
The stable, stall, and paddock should be kept clean. Damp spots in the bedding (e.g. urine) should be removed promptly and the stall freshly bedded, so the horse doesn't stand in moisture for extended periods.
A balanced diet provides nutrients that strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system can better fend off fungal infections. This includes high-quality basic feed (hay) and, if needed, mineral feed, as well as supplements such as zinc and selenium where appropriate, which are important for skin and coat (always in consultation with an expert).
Especially during the coat change, the horse should be groomed particularly thoroughly to brush out loose hair and sweat. An antifungal shampoo can also be used preventively as a supportive measure if the horse is prone to fungal infections.
A stressed horse is more susceptible to illness. Sufficient turnout, social contact with other horses, and horse-appropriate training keep the animal mentally and physically healthy, which also indirectly protects against skin conditions.
Brushes, curry combs, tack, blankets, and halters should be cleaned regularly and disinfected if possible – especially if there is already a horse with a fungal infection nearby. Ideally, each horse should have its own grooming tools to prevent transmission.
A vaccination against skin fungus in horses is not generally common in Germany (however, vaccines against dermatophytosis do exist in some countries). Therefore, preventive measures and consistent hygiene are the best protection against infection.
Frequently asked questions about skin fungus in horses 💡
Skin fungus (ringworm) in horses shows up as round, bald, and scaly patches in the coat that often itch. In more severe cases, skin inflammation can also occur.
Some home remedies or homeopathic remedies (such as apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil) can have a supportive effect. Nevertheless, conventional treatment with antifungal agents is usually necessary, as skin fungus can be very stubborn. Homeopathic treatment attempts should always be discussed with the vet.
There is no standard vaccination against skin fungus in horses. In individual cases (e.g. with high herd pressure or breeding use), vaccines may be used, but prevention through hygiene generally takes priority. Instead of a vaccination, good stable hygiene and care help reduce the risk of infection.
Yes, hoof fungus (a fungal infection of the hoof) can be contagious. It spreads mainly via infected flooring or shared hoof-care tools. That's why, in the case of hoof fungus, flooring should be disinfected and brushes/cleaning tools used separately to protect other horses.
Bald patches can have various causes: skin fungus is one possibility, but mite infestation, eczema, or rubbing due to mud fever (pastern dermatitis) can also cause bald, sore areas. It's advisable to have such skin problems checked by the vet so they can be treated in a targeted way.
Demodex mites are rare in horses but can cause nodular skin changes. Typical signs would be hair loss, small nodules, or pustules, especially on the head and neck. The infestation often stays limited to certain areas and itches less than other mite infections, but should still be treated.
The most effective options are special antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos recommended by the vet. Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar can be used as a supplement, but they don't replace the effect of these medications. In severe cases, vet-prescribed tablets (antifungals) may also be necessary.
Skin fungus is recognizable by round, bald, scaly patches of skin, while mite infestation is usually accompanied by intense itching, inflamed skin, and crusts (often also on the mane and tail). If in doubt, an examination by the vet will provide clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions💡
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We recommend feeding the increased amount (3 times the daily dose) at the start. Stay on the high dosage until an improvement occurs, plus 2 more days. Then feed twice the normal amount. If the improvement continues, feed the remaining bottles at the normal dosage. How much needs to be fed always depends on the individual problem, i.e. whether improvement occurs faster or not.
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