My horse just started getting scratches on her back pasterns. :(.
What do you use to get rid of these? They are worse on her white leg. I want them gone! Lol
[QUOTE=HorseLuvr;8213713]
My horse just started getting scratches on her back pasterns. :(.
What do you use to get rid of these? They are worse on her white leg. I want them gone! Lol[/QUOTE]
scrub clean with dish detergent soap, rinse really well and then put on desitin.
Because we had a draft with heavy feathers and white feet, we’ve dealt with scratches often. It seems “everyone” has a favorite scratches cure and they all work. I personally believe that that’s because scratches has more than one cause and a healthy horse will resolve the issue in about 2-3 weeks with or without treatment. If the horse is unhealthy, then scratches may persist as a secondary problem to a deeper issue.
Anyway, what’s worked for us (or we think it has) is what we call “Tom’s Mixture.” Actually, we use it for everything skin related but NOT in show horses has it will show up on a drug test. Also don’t use it where you might need stitches, and don’t use it on stitches.
Here’s how you make “Tom’s” --1/2 c Desitin diaper rash stuff (buy a big container at Walmart), 1/2 c Furison (that yellow gunk), 10 cc dexamethasone. WEAR GLOVES. Mix all three together until you have smooth consistency. I use a tongue depressor. When you have a smooth consistency, apply to affected area. The Desitin will keep the area dry, the Furison keeps the flies off, and the dex promotes healing. But remember to WEAR GLOVES --dex can go right into you through the skin.
You will need to get the dex from your vet. Ask him or her about the mixture and what you are using it for. Mine said, “You have everything you need there.” Oh, Tom was a groom who showed us how to make this stuff.
But remember do NOT use it on a horse that will be drug tested.
Foxglove
We don’t deal with a lot of scratches where we live since its so dry, but we have had success with wetting the scabs liberally with chlorohexidine, and after that dries, use Equiheal ointment. We don’t pick scabs or rub very hard when applying either of the above. They should be gone in a week if you do this every day.
I am currently dealing with the same problem with my OTTB. I had a friend recommend mixing equal parts of Desitin (40% tube) and NFZ. Then mix in a tube of antifungal cream and spread it on. It seems to be clearing up. I also squirt betadine scrub on it and let it sit for 10 mins every other day. Seems to be working so far!
I use M-T-G. Apply every day and its usually gone within the week. Good Luck!!!
M-T-G: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/shapleys-original-mtg-6238?cm_mmc=google--googlepla--tes-_-2109694710&kpid=2109694710&gclid=CODP9dbUv8YCFZE6gQoddXICCw
“Muck Itch” works for us!
Desitin
I got this recipe from COTH, so it’s probably repeated in link above, but here goes: equal parts desitin, triple antibiotic cream, athletes foot cream, and cortisone cream. Generic for each is fine . Mix together until blended well, apply liberally over scabs daily. Works like magic.
I second (or third, or whatever) the Desitin. Make sure you get the maximum strength which is 40% zinc oxide.
I also had good luck using Tri Care Wound ointment which has Tea Tree oil in it.
If you can get a hold of it, Panalog, it’s liquid gold!
[QUOTE=Lady Eboshi;8214223]
“Muck Itch” works for us![/QUOTE]
Muck Itch here too.
Desiring, polysporin and caneston worked for us but not until the caneston was added.
One of my horses has scratches currently. I got Equishield CK from the vet, although it is NOT prescription. It is available at various online horse supply sites.
Active ingredients are chlorhexidine and Ketaconazole. I’ve only used it for two days. I did not wet and scrub the area, as it is very tender. I’m just going to keep slathering it on, and the cruddy bits are coming off on their own.
They also make Equishield CK Spray. I might use that, or simply diluted chlorhexidine, once we clear this area up, if it could prevent a relapse. The horse is sore enough to be lame. Yes, from scratches. 
As someone else mentioned, we also had a very wet, cool spring, and now we’ve had a sudden onset of hot and fairly dry. Not sure why the scratches showed up now. And not in the wet/muddy time.
[QUOTE=mintano;8215134]
If you can get a hold of it, Panalog, it’s liquid gold![/QUOTE]
Also known as Entederm. 
I had good results with Krudzapper, but struck gold with a blend of Desitin and silver sulfadiazine (SSD)! It is clearing up some very persistent ankle crud we’ve been fighting for a while. I also like a mix of chlorhexadine and dish soap if I have to scrub anything.
WNT, where did you get the SS?
[QUOTE=keysfins;8215485]
Also known as Entederm. ;)[/QUOTE]
Or Animax
Clip the hair with a #10 blade. Use panalog/endaderm until it begins to heal, then switch to Desitin (or the generic) from there on out. I try not to get the legs wet unless I have to. Water causes the skin to swell/contract and crack, like dishpan hands. Or if you get crack in your hands in the winter, you know what I mean. Keeping it dry goes a long way to helping it heal.
