Why is my horse’s skin red or irritated where the bot fly eggs were? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse’s skin is red or irritated where bot fly eggs were, it’s often due to local skin irritation rather than anything more serious. The area may have been rubbed, picked at, or reacted a little after the eggs were removed or dislodged, and there can be several possible causes.

The main thing is to check whether the skin is just mildly pink and sore, or whether there are signs of swelling, broken skin, discharge or a worsening reaction.

Things To Check

1. Look at the exact area where the eggs were attached and check whether the skin is simply pink, or whether it is also swollen, hot, crusted or broken.

2. Check whether the irritation started after grooming, scrubbing, picking the eggs off, or turnout, as rubbing or handling can make the skin look more inflamed.

3. See if your horse is scratching, rubbing, stamping or reacting when the area is touched.

4. Check for tiny scabs, hair loss or dampness, which can suggest the skin has been irritated enough to become sore.

5. Look at other areas of the body for similar marks, as that can help show whether this is a one-off local reaction or part of a broader skin issue.

6. Check whether flies are still bothering the area, especially in warm weather or around sweaty coat patches.

7. Note whether the redness is improving over a day or two, staying the same, or getting more obvious.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simple local irritation where the eggs were attached or removed. The skin can look red for a short time after being rubbed, scratched or cleaned.

A small reaction to the bot fly eggs, dried debris, or handling can also make the area look sore or inflamed.

Less commonly, the skin may have become mildly inflamed because of scratching, flies, sweat, mud, or other skin sensitivity in the same area.

If there is broken skin, heat, discharge or swelling, there may be a secondary skin problem developing that needs a closer look.

What To Do

Gently check the area and avoid scrubbing it. If the skin is only mildly irritated, keep it clean and dry, and reduce further rubbing or picking.

Monitor it over the next 24 to 48 hours. A little redness should settle if the skin is left alone, but worsening irritation is worth taking seriously.

If your horse is likely to rub that spot again, focus on practical fly-season management and routine coat care so the area is less likely to be disturbed.

Products That May Help

During fly season, a good routine for coat care and owner management can be helpful when you’re dealing with irritation around bot fly egg sites.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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