Pastern Dermatitis in Horses | Pink Skin, Scabs, and Mud Fever Guide

Pastern Dermatitis in Horses | Pink Skin, Scabs, and Mud Fever Guide
Skin. Moisture. Pastern Health.

Pastern Dermatitis And Mud Fever. Pink Skin, Scabs, And What Riders Should Know

Pink, irritated skin around the pasterns is easy to miss at first and hard to ignore once it flares. Whether you call it scratches, mud fever, grease heel, or pastern dermatitis, it all comes down to skin that stays damp, irritated, and under pressure. This guide walks you through what it is, what to do first, and how to support your horse while the skin recovers.

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Definition

What Pastern Dermatitis Actually Is

Pastern dermatitis is a broad term for inflammation and irritation of the skin on the pasterns and fetlocks. It can show up as pink or red skin, crusty scabs, hair loss, and sometimes swelling or discomfort. When mud and moisture are part of the picture, many riders call it mud fever or scratches.

The outer picture is messy. Underneath, the skin barrier has been worn down by a mix of moisture, friction, microbes, and sometimes sunlight on pale skin.

Think of it less as one single disease and more as a pattern. Wet skin plus friction plus compromised barrier equals an opening for trouble.
Why It Happens

What Drives Pink, Scabby Pasterns

Several factors usually add up together:

  • Constant wet conditions in mud, snow, or heavy dew.
  • Repeated washing with harsh soaps that strip oils.
  • Friction from boots, wraps, or bell boots that stay on too long.
  • Sunlight on pale or pink skin that is already irritated.
  • Microbes such as bacteria and fungi that take advantage of compromised skin.

Horses with heavy feathering or a lot of white on the legs are often more at risk because moisture and debris can get trapped against the skin.

Real Rider Routine

A Simple Three Step Plan When You See Pink, Scabby Pasterns

Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for diagnosis and treatment. This routine is a framework many riders use once they have a plan in place.

Step 1

Reduce Moisture And Friction

Bring your horse out of deep mud when possible and limit boots or wraps that rub the area. Allow the skin to dry in a clean environment.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing or picking at scabs. That often does more harm than good.

Step 2

Gentle Cleaning When Needed

Use a mild, vet approved cleanser and lukewarm water when your veterinarian recommends washing. Rinse well and dry carefully with a soft towel.

The goal is clean, not raw. If your horse is very reactive, pause and consult your vet.

Step 3

Support The Skin Barrier

Once the area is clean and dry, many riders use a protective topical to support the skin while it heals and to help block repeated moisture and debris.

Follow your veterinarian’s guidance on what is safe for your horse’s specific case.

Relates to your horse. Healthy pastern skin is the foundation that every step lands on. When it breaks down, every stride can sting. Supporting that barrier is an act of real care.
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Where Our Products Fit

How Riders Use Draw It Out® Around Pastern Dermatitis

Draw It Out® products are not a substitute for diagnosis or prescription treatments. Riders use them to support the skin environment and surrounding soft tissue as part of a plan built with their veterinarian.

  • Using RESTOREaHORSE® on localized areas of compromised skin as a barrier supportive salve once the area is cleaned and dried, as directed by their vet.
  • Choosing Rapid Relief Restorative Cream on irritated skin that needs a soothing, moisture balancing cream in line with veterinary guidance.
  • Using Draw It Out® Gel on surrounding soft tissue to support comfort when horses become defensive about handling legs due to soreness.
  • Reserving MasterMudd™ EquiBrace for deeper soft tissue support when the lower limb has been compensating or overloading, guided by a professional.

Talk with your veterinarian about where these products fit in your horse’s specific case, especially if there is broken skin, infection, or systemic illness.

Pastern Dermatitis And Mud Fever FAQ

What is pastern dermatitis in horses

Pastern dermatitis is inflammation and irritation of the skin on the pasterns and fetlocks. It can look like pink skin, crusts, scabs, or sores and is often linked to moisture and friction.

Is pastern dermatitis the same as mud fever or scratches

Many riders use these terms for the same general pattern of irritated, scabby skin on the lower legs. Your veterinarian can help name the specific cause in your horse.

When should I call the vet about pastern dermatitis

Call your vet if there is heat, swelling, lameness, a foul odor, rapid spreading, or if your horse seems very painful or systemically unwell. Chronic or recurring cases also deserve a veterinary plan.

Should I pick off the scabs

Picking scabs aggressively can damage new skin and make pain and infection worse. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance about if and how to soften or remove crusts.

How does Draw It Out® fit into pastern care

Draw It Out® products are used as part of a supportive program around veterinary care, focusing on barrier support, comfort in nearby soft tissue, and a healthier skin environment.

This page is for education and does not replace examination or treatment by a veterinarian. If you are unsure about what you are seeing or if your horse seems painful or sick, call your vet.