Why does my horse have patchy hair loss on its face? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Patchy hair loss on a horse’s face is often caused by ringworm, but it can also be due to rubbing, flies, minor skin irritation, or a small wound that’s healing. You can't tell the cause from bald patches alone, so it's best to check the skin carefully and watch how the area changes.
Things To Check
1. Look at the shape and edge of the patch. Ringworm often starts as a round or irregular patch of hair loss, sometimes with scurf or crusting.
2. Check for itchiness. If your horse is rubbing the face on fences, posts or feed buckets, that can point towards irritation rather than simple hair loss.
3. Feel the skin gently for heat, swelling or tenderness, and look for scabs, broken skin or discharge.
4. Think about recent changes, such as new turnout, more flies, different tack or headcollar use, or a change in grooming routine.
5. Check whether any other horses or people on the yard have similar skin patches, as some skin conditions can spread between horses and may affect humans too.
6. Look closely around the face, jaw, eyelids and ears for more than one patch, because several small areas can give useful clues.
7. Note whether the hair is simply missing or whether the skin underneath looks inflamed, crusty or flaky.
Common Causes
Ringworm is a common cause of patchy facial hair loss in horses. It often causes circular or patchy bald areas with broken hairs, scurf or crusts.
Rubbing from a headcollar, noseband, flies, or a habit of scratching the face can also remove hair and irritate the skin.
Minor wounds, old bite marks or pressure points from tack or equipment may leave a small patch of hair loss while the skin heals.
Less commonly, skin allergies, mite-related irritation or other skin infections can lead to patchy hair loss, especially if the area is itchy, sore or spreading.
What To Do
Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid picking at scabs or shaving the patch unless your vet has advised it.
Reduce anything that may be rubbing the area, including headcollars, nosebands or turnout gear, and check that equipment fits comfortably.
Use separate grooming kit items for the affected horse if you suspect ringworm, and wash hands after handling the area.
Monitor the patch for spreading, crusting, redness or increased itchiness, and make a note of any other skin changes elsewhere on the body.
If the horse is rubbing the face, check the stable, field and grooming routine for likely irritants such as insects, dusty bedding or dirty tack.
If more than one horse is affected, or if the patch isn't improving, it's sensible to ask your vet for guidance on what it is and how best to manage it.
Products That May Help
A careful washing and grooming routine can be useful while you're keeping an eye on facial hair loss and looking for patterns in the skin and coat.
Related Questions
Is ringworm in horses contagious?
Can rubbing from a headcollar cause hair loss on a horse’s face?
How do I know if a skin patch needs a vet check?
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.