Why does my horse get sore patches on its pink nose every summer?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse gets sore patches on a pink nose every summer, photosensitivity is one possible reason, especially if the skin is pale and exposed to strong sunlight. It can also be caused by rubbing, fly irritation, or simple skin irritation, so it’s worth checking the pattern carefully rather than assuming it’s the same thing every time.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the patches only appear after sunny days or when your horse has been out for long periods.

2. Look closely for redness, crusting, flaking, scabs, cracked skin or any oozing on the pink areas.

3. See whether the soreness is on the parts with the least pigment, especially the nose and muzzle.

4. Notice if your horse rubs the nose on gates, rugs, walls, buckets or fences.

5. Check for fly activity, stamping or head shaking, which can make the area more irritated.

6. Think about whether anything has changed recently, such as turnout, grazing, washing, grooming products or feed.

7. Feel gently around the area for warmth or swelling, and note whether your horse seems bothered when you touch it.

Common Causes

Photosensitivity is a common possibility in horses with pink skin, because unpigmented areas are more easily affected by sunlight. This can make the nose look sore, red or scabby, particularly in summer.

Sunburn-like irritation is another common reason, especially on pale noses that spend a lot of time exposed to direct sun.

Fly irritation, rubbing and contact irritation can also cause repeated sore patches, particularly if the same area is being irritated day after day.

Less commonly, there may be an underlying skin problem that makes the skin more reactive, so ongoing or worsening signs should be taken seriously.

What To Do

Keep a simple note of when the patches appear, how long they last and whether they follow sunny turnout, grooming or exercise. That can help you spot a pattern.

Try to reduce direct sun exposure where you can, especially during the brightest part of the day. Shade, turnout timing and sensible routine changes may all help support the skin.

Keep the nose area clean and dry using gentle routine care, and avoid rough scrubbing or anything that seems to sting.

If your horse rubs the nose, look at what might be causing the irritation in the first place, such as flies, tack contact or a rough surface.

If the skin keeps breaking down, the patches spread, or your horse seems painful, it’s sensible to get a vet’s advice so the cause can be checked properly.

Products That May Help

A summer-focused fly and irritation care routine may be useful if flies, rubbing or seasonal skin sensitivity seem to make the nose worse.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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