Hot spot in horses (skin inflammation) – modern biological therapies 

Introduction

Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, although more common in dogs, can also occur in horses. These lesions are usually caused by mechanical irritation (chafing from riding equipment, rugs), insect bites or allergic reactions. Rapidly developing inflammatory lesions cause pain, itching and discomfort, and if left untreated, they may become infected with bacteria.

 

 

Symptoms of hot spots in horses:

 

  • oozing, moist lesions on the skin,
  • redness and pain at the site of inflammation,
  • intense rubbing of the horse against objects or biting of the skin,
  • rapid enlargement of the lesion within 24–48 hours,
  • secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

 


Standard treatment

Traditionally, treatment involves cleaning the lesions, shaving the hair around the affected area, applying antiseptic preparations, anti-inflammatory ointments, and topical antibiotics. Conventional treatment brings improvement, but does not always prevent recurrence, especially when the cause is an allergy or repeated abrasions.

 


Modern biological therapies

 

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

MSCs modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support tissue regeneration. Used in horses with chronic or recurrent skin lesions, they can effectively reduce the frequency of recurrence.

 👉 Check out how mesenchymal stem cells work

 

PRP – platelet-rich plasma

 

PRP supports skin regeneration, stimulates microcirculation, and has anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, it accelerates the healing of lesions and reduces the risk of secondary infections.

 👉 Learn more about PRP

 

Therapy IL-1

In cases of severe, chronic skin inflammation, blocking the IL-1 pathway reduces the inflammatory response, reducing pain and promoting healing.

 👉 Learn more about IL-1 pain therapy and treatment

 

 

Step-by-step approach

 

  • Stage 1 – fresh, acute lesions: PRP as rapid support for healing processes.
  • Stage 2 – chronic or recurrent hot spots: MSC to modulate immunity and skin regeneration.
  • Stage 3 – difficult cases: IL-1 as a therapy to support inflammation and pain control.

 

 

Summary

Hot spots in horses are not only a dermatological problem, but also a sign of allergies, mechanical irritation, or immune disorders. Standard treatment focuses on symptoms, while modern biological therapies—PRP, MSC, and IL-1—address the root cause, supporting skin regeneration and reducing recurrence.

 

FAQ

Are hot spots common in horses?
Can PRP be used topically on horses?
How do MSCs help treat horse skin conditions?
Is IL-1 used routinely?
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