Scratches in Horses: Causes, Symptoms & Lower Leg Skin Care Guide

If you've ever noticed scabs, crusts, or irritated skin around your horse's pastern, you may have heard other horse owners refer to the condition as scratches.

Scratches is a common term used to describe inflammation and irritation affecting the skin of a horse's lower legs, particularly around the pastern and heel bulbs. Veterinarians often use the medical term pastern dermatitis, while some horse owners also refer to it as mud fever, especially when wet conditions contribute to the problem.

Although scratches often begin as mild redness or small scabs, the condition can become increasingly uncomfortable if the skin continues to be irritated or damaged.

Fortunately, with daily observation, thoughtful grooming, and good skin care, many cases can be recognized early and managed before they become more serious.

In this guide you'll learn:

• What scratches are
• Common causes
• Early warning signs
• Risk factors
• Daily grooming recommendations
• Prevention strategies
• When to contact your veterinarian

What Are Scratches?

Scratches is not a single disease but rather a description of inflammation affecting the skin on the lower portion of the leg.

The condition most commonly develops around the pastern, heel bulbs, and fetlock.

When the skin's protective barrier becomes damaged, bacteria and other microorganisms naturally present in the environment may enter the weakened skin, contributing to inflammation and the development of crusts or scabs.

The severity varies considerably. Some horses develop only a few small crusts, while others experience swelling, discomfort, and more extensive skin changes.

Are Scratches and Mud Fever the Same Thing?

The terms are often used interchangeably.

Many horse owners in North America use the term scratches, while mud fever is more commonly used in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Veterinarians frequently use the broader medical term pastern dermatitis because multiple factors can contribute to the condition.

For a more in-depth discussion of pastern dermatitis, be sure to read our Mud Fever in Horses guide.

What Causes Scratches?

Scratches develop when the skin on the lower legs becomes damaged or irritated.

Contributing factors may include:

• Wet or muddy conditions
• Constant moisture
• Repeated wetting and drying
• Small cuts or abrasions
• Irritated skin
• Poorly fitting boots or wraps
• Bacteria naturally found on the skin

Because several different factors may work together, scratches are usually best viewed as a condition with multiple possible causes rather than a single disease.

Early Signs of Scratches

Recognizing scratches early often leads to better outcomes.

Watch for:

• Mild redness
• Small crusts
• Scabs
• Hair loss
• Thickened skin
• Sensitivity when touching the pastern
• Mild swelling
• Cracked skin

Some horses show very little discomfort in the early stages, while others become sensitive as inflammation increases.

Which Horses Are Most at Risk?

Scratches can affect horses of every breed and discipline.

Risk may increase in horses that:

• Spend time in wet turnout
• Live in muddy environments
• Have white legs or lightly pigmented skin
• Wear boots or wraps for prolonged periods
• Have previously experienced pastern dermatitis

Even horses housed in excellent conditions may occasionally develop scratches if the skin barrier becomes compromised.

Diagnosing Scratches

Because several skin conditions can affect the lower legs, diagnosing scratches involves more than simply examining the scabs.

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and discuss your horse's medical history, including:

• When the lesions first appeared
• Whether they developed during wet weather
• If one or multiple legs are affected
• Previous episodes of scratches or mud fever
• Turnout conditions
• Recent use of boots, wraps, or topical products

Depending on your horse's symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to rule out other conditions such as mites, bacterial infections, fungal infections, allergic skin disease, photosensitization, or other causes of pastern dermatitis.

An accurate diagnosis helps ensure your horse receives the most appropriate treatment and management plan.

Daily Management

Supporting healthy skin begins with consistent daily care.

Helpful management practices include:

• Inspect your horse's lower legs every day.
• Remove mud gently rather than scrubbing aggressively.
• Dry the legs thoroughly after bathing or turnout in wet conditions.
• Keep turnout areas as dry as possible.
• Clean and dry boots or wraps before each use.
• Monitor the skin for new scabs, swelling, or areas of irritation.

Daily observation allows horse owners to recognize subtle changes before they become more serious.

Grooming Horses with Scratches

Good grooming is one of the best ways to support healthy skin.

When grooming horses with scratches:

• Be gentle around affected areas.
• Avoid pulling off scabs.
• Keep the surrounding hair clean.
• Follow your veterinarian's recommendations regarding wound care.
• Watch for any signs that the condition is worsening.

Aggressively removing crusts may expose healthy tissue underneath and increase discomfort.

Bathing Horses with Scratches

Bathing can help remove dirt, sweat, and debris from the lower legs, but excessive moisture may contribute to ongoing irritation if the legs are not dried properly.

If bathing is part of your horse's care plan:

• Use a gentle shampoo formulated specifically for horses.
• Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Dry the lower legs completely before turnout or applying wraps.

Healthy skin benefits from cleanliness, but it also needs time to remain dry and protected.

From the Barn

Experienced grooms rarely wait until scratches become severe before taking action.

During daily grooming, they routinely run their hands down each leg, checking for warmth, swelling, tiny scabs, or subtle changes in the skin around the pastern.

These quick daily inspections often catch problems early—before a few small scabs become a much larger issue.

Consistent observation is one of the simplest and most valuable parts of good horse care.

Prevention Tips

Although scratches cannot always be prevented, good management can reduce the risk.

Helpful practices include:

• Provide dry turnout whenever possible.
• Remove mud promptly after turnout.
• Dry the legs thoroughly after bathing.
• Clean boots and wraps regularly.
• Address small cuts and skin irritation early.
• Groom your horse consistently.
• Support overall skin health through balanced nutrition and regular skin care.

Healthy skin is naturally more resistant to irritation and environmental challenges.

When Should You Contact Your Veterinarian?

Contact your veterinarian if your horse develops:

• Significant swelling
• Lameness
• Pain when walking
• Large or worsening scabs
• Drainage or pus
• Foul odor
• Lesions that spread
• Skin that does not improve with routine management

Prompt veterinary evaluation can help prevent more extensive skin damage.

Healthy Lower Legs Begin with Daily Observation

Scratches is one of the most common skin conditions affecting horses' lower limbs, but it often begins with subtle changes that are easy to overlook.

By inspecting your horse's legs every day, maintaining a consistent grooming routine, keeping the skin clean and dry, and working closely with your veterinarian when concerns arise, you can help support healthy skin and recognize problems early.

At Dapple Up, we believe healthy skin is the foundation of every healthy coat. Our Healthy Equine Shampoo was originally developed for Thoroughbreds that were bathed daily at the racetrack, where professional grooms needed a formula that cleaned thoroughly while remaining gentle enough for frequent bathing. That same philosophy continues to guide every bottle we make today.

Healthy horses begin with healthy skin—and healthy skin begins with consistent daily care.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your horse develops persistent lower leg lesions, swelling, lameness, drainage, or other concerning skin changes, consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

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