Mud Fever Treatment for Horses

Explore our range of effective mud fever treatment options designed to help soothe, heal, and protect your horse’s legs. Whether you're managing an active case of pastern dermatitis or aiming to prevent future outbreaks, you’ll find everything you need to support recovery and keep your horse comfortable, especially during the damp, muddy British weather.

What is Mud Fever?

Mud fever, or pastern dermatitis, is a common skin condition in horses caused by a mix of bacteria, fungi and environmental irritants. It usually affects the lower legs, particularly the heel, pastern and fetlock areas. Signs include:

• Scabbing and crusting of the skin

• Redness or inflammation

• Hair loss

• Heat and swelling

• In more severe cases, lameness

Mud fever thrives in wet, muddy conditions, making UK horses particularly vulnerable during autumn and winter. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid pain, infection, and long-term skin damage.

Effective Mud Fever Remedies

Our expertly selected mud fever remedies are chosen to tackle every stage of the condition, from initial cleansing to long-term protection. These include:

• Antibacterial creams and ointments

• Antifungal washes and shampoos

• Barrier creams and leg protectors

• Herbal and natural skin balms

• Turnout boots designed to keep legs dry

Each remedy is vet-approved, horse-safe, and tailored to work in UK weather conditions.

How to Treat Mud Fever in Horses

Knowing how to treat mud fever in horses correctly can make all the difference in how quickly your horse recovers. Here's a simple, effective routine using products from this page:

1. Cleanse the Area

Start by gently removing mud and debris using a medicated wash or antibacterial horse shampoo. Don’t scrub harshly, this can damage delicate tissue. Use warm water and allow any loose scabs to fall away naturally.

2. Dry Thoroughly

Always pat the skin dry using a clean towel. Mud fever worsens with moisture, so ensuring the area stays dry is key to healing.

3. Apply a Mud Fever Cream

Use a dedicated mud fever cream that combines antibacterial, antifungal and soothing properties. Ingredients such as zinc oxide, manuka honey, tea tree oil, or sulphur can help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and form a protective layer.

Top-performing creams on this page include:

• Dual-action antibacterial balms

• Herbal skin ointments

• Zinc-based healing creams

4. Create a Barrier

To prevent re-infection, use a barrier cream or fit breathable mud fever turnout boots before your horse goes into the field. Make sure the boots are clean and don’t trap moisture.

5. Repeat Daily and Monitor

Reapply daily, continuing treatment until skin is fully healed. If the condition worsens or doesn’t improve, speak to your vet, especially if swelling or lameness develops.

Mud Fever Prevention Tips

The best mud fever treatment starts with prevention. Here’s how you can help your horse avoid flare-ups during the muddy months:

• Apply a barrier cream before turnout

• Use mud fever turnout boots to protect the legs

• Keep stables clean and dry

• Avoid excessive leg washing, which strips natural oils

• Feed supplements that support skin health and immune response

Look for preventative products clearly labelled for daily use or protective care, ideal for use throughout the wetter seasons.

Best-Selling Mud Fever Creams & Products

Here are some of the most popular and effective items available now:

• Antibacterial Mud Fever Creams – Help heal and protect the skin

• Medicated Shampoos – Gently clean inflamed areas

• Barrier Lotions & Pastes – Create a shield against mud and moisture

• Natural Skin Balms – With ingredients like calendula, aloe vera or honey

• Turnout Boots – Keep legs clean, dry, and shielded from bacteria

All products listed are veterinary-approved, safe for horses, and trusted by UK horse owners.