What should I do if my horse’s ringworm is getting bigger? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your horse’s ringworm seems to be getting bigger, keep a close eye on it and treat it as something that needs prompt attention, not panic. It may simply be a patch that’s spreading as the skin sheds and heals, but similar-looking skin issues can also spread for other reasons.
You can usually check the area yourself first, then speak to your vet if it’s spreading quickly, your horse seems sore, or other horses are developing patches too.
Things To Check
1. Look at how fast the patch is changing. A small gradual change is different from something that seems to grow noticeably over a day or two.
2. Check whether the skin is only hair loss and scurf, or whether there’s redness, swelling, heat, oozing or broken skin as well.
3. See if your horse is rubbing the area on doors, fences, tack or rugs, which can make it look larger.
4. Think about whether any other horses on the yard have similar bald, crusty or circular patches.
5. Check recent changes such as clipping, new rugs, shared grooming kit, saddle cloths or close contact with other horses.
6. Look at whether the patch is in a sweaty, rubbed or hard-to-dry area, such as under a rug, girth area or where tack sits.
7. Notice if your horse seems uncomfortable, sensitive to touch, or if the skin is becoming more inflamed.
Common Causes
Ringworm often appears to get larger as the outer crusts loosen and hair breaks away, which can make the patch look more obvious before it settles.
It can also seem to spread if the area is rubbed, sweaty or not drying properly, or if grooming tools, rugs or tack are carrying skin debris between horses.
Less commonly, a different skin problem can look like ringworm, including other infections, irritation from rubbing or a reaction to something in the horse’s environment.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can, and avoid picking at scabs or scrubbing the skin hard.
Limit shared contact with other horses where practical, and use separate grooming kit, numnahs and rugs if ringworm is suspected.
Wash hands after handling the area, and clean any tack, rugs or brushes that may have touched the patch so you’re not moving skin debris around the yard.
Take a photo every couple of days so you can judge whether it’s truly spreading or just changing as it heals.
If the patch is under tack or a rug, check fit and friction points, because repeated rubbing can make any skin problem look worse.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the patch is spreading quickly, becoming sore, swollen or weepy, if your horse seems unwell, or if several horses on the yard are affected. It’s also sensible to ask for advice if you’re not sure it is ringworm, because a similar-looking skin issue may need a different approach.
Products That May Help
A gentle washing routine can be useful as part of day-to-day skin care when you’re managing a patch of suspected ringworm and trying to keep the area clean and easy to monitor.
Related Questions
How do I stop ringworm spreading to other horses?
Should I wash my horse if I think it has ringworm?
How long does ringworm usually take to clear up?
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.