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  Discussion on General Skin Issues
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Member:
remmi

Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 8:12 am:

I have read through the information about skin diseases and the various discussions but am still puzzled about what is going on with my horse. My 5 year old bay gelding lost hair in areas of his head last year. The skin did not appear irritated or abnormal in any way. I was told it might be from sweat on his face, so I started using baby wipes on his face after riding to try to remove the salt, dirt, etc. It finally grew back when he got his winter coat. I am now seeing slight hair loss in the same areas again this spring. It appears we are going to go through the same issue again. He is not particularly itchy and doesn't rub.

Any ideas on what could be causing it? We have had a dry spring and I don't think it's rain rot.

Should I try putting tea tree oil or an anti fungal medication on his face? I do show actively and would need to find something that will not test. Thank you for your help!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 11:23 am:

Hello Heidi,
Check out Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin » Overview of Hair Loss & Irritated Skin and see the subtopic Spring Hair Loss to see if that does not fit your case.
DrO
Member:
remmi

Posted on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 12:51 pm:

Hello Dr. O,

Thank you for your quick response to my post.

Yes, I have read through that information and can't seem to find a description that fits. He has an area that runs along the right side of his face along the bridge of his nose that is about 8 inches in length that is slowly losing hair, just like last year in the same area. But he has no bumps, no scabs, no itchies, no irritation. Just going bald in that area. While it's unsightly, it doesn't seem to bother him at all!

I just order an antifungal spray that I will try, just in case it's a fungus. Is there any harm in trying that? Last year I tried Betadine and it didn't improve.



Heidi
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - 6:22 am:

Without signs of skin irritation, infection seems unlikely but most topical antifungals are pretty easy on the skin. Which antifungal did you order? Instead of the name brand I need the active ingredients.

A well lit, focused photo of the area may help us with your diagnosis.
DrO
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