ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Mud fever aka rainrot

[endurance] Mud fever aka rainrot

LYNN M. Crespo (lynn@alpha.acast.nova.edu)
Sun, 8 Oct 1995 22:37:26 -0400 (EDT)

We have 2 horses that are highly susceptible to rainrot and both have
developed severe cases over the last year because of the incredible rain
we have here. At some point, both required antibiotics and
corticosteroids for the infection and inflammation. Since the rain
persists and I am adamantly opposed to long term antibiotic and steroid
therapy I put on my thinking cap, asked a zillion more questions and have
found a very simple, but effective treatment that has worked wonders for us.

Baby oil and Vinegar (half and half). After cleaning and thoroughly
drying the area I spray the solution and work it into the area. The baby
oil lubricates the skin to prevent cracking and flaking and the vinegar,
which is acidic, changes the pH of the skin to make it inhospitable for
the bacteria to grow. Acutally, vinegar is an excellent antiseptic. It
is commonly used to sterilize respiratory equipment used in the home. We
use it daily on my son's nebulizer. It is a little smelly, but it
cleared up the rainrot in 4 days.

I now apply it every night on our 2 problem horses, because it can rain
at any given minute. The oil also adds a protective barrier for the skin
and the water just beads up and runs off!

Lynn

L. M. Crespo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Pharmacology
Nova-Southeastern University

lynn@alpha.acast.nova.edu