Rain Rot Treatment: A Calm, Clean Plan with Rapid Relief Restorative Cream | Draw It Out®
Rain Rot Treatment: A Calm, Clean Plan with Rapid Relief Restorative Cream
By Jon Conklin • Updated • 6–8 min read
Rain rot loves wet, crowded, and dirty. Your edge? Clean, dry, protect—run the same quiet routine every time, then break the barn-cycle so it doesn’t come back.
What Rain Rot Is (Fast)
Dermatophilosis: Bacterial skin issue that thrives when hair stays wet/matted under dirt or tack.
Good news: Most cases respond to consistent hygiene and a simple topical routine.
Signs & Look-Alikes
“Paint-brush” scabs that lift with hair; small crusts over serum-y skin.
Common on topline, rump, shoulders, cannon bones, and where tack traps sweat.
Look-alikes: Fungal dermatitis, scratches/pastern dermatitis, lice/mange. When in doubt, call your vet.
Do / Don’t at a Glance
Do
Keep sessions short, rinse clean, and scrape immediately.
Dry thoroughly before any topical.
Disinfect brushes, pads, girths, boots—daily during outbreaks.
Don’t
Rip scabs off dry—soften with wash first.
Layer greasy products that trap moisture.
Share contaminated tack or blankets between horses.
Call the Vet If
Lesions spread fast, ooze, or the horse is painful/feverish.
No improvement after a week of consistent care.
Step-by-Step Routine (Clean–Dry–Protect)
1) Clean
Rinse affected areas; use a gentle, barn-safe wash to soften scabs. Rinse thoroughly and scrape water off so skin is truly clean.
2) Dry
Move air across the coat until skin and hair are dry to the touch. Damp traps bacteria—don’t rush this step.
3) Protect
Apply a thin, even layer of Rapid Relief Restorative Cream. It’s light, non-greasy, and designed for tidy comfort on compromised skin—no slick residue to collect dust.
4) Repeat
Re-check daily for a week. Keep gear clean and dry; avoid heavy turnout in mud until skin normalizes.
Pro tip: On lower legs prone to mud splash, use a stay-put barrier on clean, dry skin between rides, and return to Rapid Relief for recovery after washing and drying.
Barn Hygiene to Stop the Cycle
One-horse, one-brush during outbreaks. Disinfect after each use.
Swap or launder pads/liners more often; dry completely before reuse.
Clip only if hair length prevents drying—keep blades clean to avoid spread.
This works so good miakes it so easy
On long mane & tails no greasy hands!!! It's wonderful
Thanks so much for the kind words and the 5-star review. We’re glad ShowBarn Secret® Braiding Spray is making long manes and tails easier to work with without the greasy hands. That is exactly what we built it for. Really appreciate you taking the time to share this.
