what is rain scald in horses

Rain scald, also known as rain rot or dermatophilosis, is a bacterial skin infection in horses caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. It is characterized by the formation of matted scabs on the skin, usually affecting the back, rump, and neck of the horse. The infection is more likely to occur during periods of constant, frequent rain, which weakens the skin and allows the bacteria to invade and establish an infection. The condition can be prevented by providing shelter, keeping the horse stabled, or using waterproof rugs during wet weather to protect the skin from prolonged wetting and reduce the risk of infection