What should I check if my horse has crusty patches on a white face? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your horse has crusty patches on a white face, sun exposure is one of the first things to think about, especially if the skin is pale, pink or thin-haired. It can also be caused by mild irritation, rubbing, or other skin sensitivity, so it’s worth checking the area carefully rather than assuming it’s just sunburn.
Most owners can look for a few simple clues at home and then decide whether the skin just needs closer monitoring or a vet check.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the crusty patches are on the pink, white or lightly pigmented areas of the face, especially around the nose, muzzle and above the eyes.
2. Look for redness, heat, soreness, swelling or any broken skin under the crusts.
3. Notice whether the patches appear after time in strong sun, or whether they seem worse after turnout than after being stabled.
4. Check if your horse has been rubbing the face on fences, posts, rugs, feeders or stable fittings.
5. Look for other signs of irritation such as flaking, itching, scabs, discharge or hair loss around the same area.
6. Check whether any recent grooming products, fly sprays, washes or tack have come into contact with the skin.
7. Make sure there are no signs of fly irritation, especially around the eyes and muzzle in warmer weather.
Common Causes
The most common cause is mild sunburn or sun-related skin irritation on unpigmented skin. White facial markings can be more exposed to sunlight, and the skin may crust as it heals or stays irritated.
Other common possibilities include rubbing, sensitivity to grooming or wash products, minor scabs from scratches, or skin irritation made worse by insects or dust.
Less commonly, crusty patches can be linked to other skin conditions that need a vet to assess, especially if the area keeps coming back, spreads, or doesn’t improve with sensible care.
What To Do
Keep an eye on the area for a few days and note whether it changes with sun exposure, turnout or grooming. If the skin looks sore, avoid rubbing it hard or picking off the crusts.
Try to reduce direct sun exposure where practical, especially during brighter parts of the day, and keep the face clean and dry if it gets dirty. If you’ve recently changed any grooming or wash products, consider whether they may be irritating the skin.
If the patches are mild, monitoring the area alongside sensible day-to-day care is often the best first step. If they worsen, spread or keep returning, get your vet’s advice.
Products That May Help
Using gentle, suitable washing and grooming products can be helpful as part of a routine that keeps sensitive skin clean without overdoing it.
Related Questions
Can white facial markings make sunburn more likely?
Should I wash crusty skin on my horse’s face?
When should I ask a vet about scabs on a horse’s face?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.