When your horse gets a small wound or shows signs of irritated skin, the first instinct is often to reach for something antibacterial. But what’s meant to help can actually harm your horse’s skin in the long run. In this article, you’ll learn why gentle care is often the better choice – and how to truly support your horse’s skin health.

Skin problems in horses: More common than you think

Whether it’s saddle chafing, small cuts from the paddock, or chronic conditions like mud fever or sweet itch – skin issues are a regular part of many horses’ lives. And the typical reaction? Clean it, disinfect it, put something “strong” on it.

But that’s exactly where the problem often begins.

What does “antibacterial” really mean?

Antibacterial products are designed to kill bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. That can be helpful, especially for open wounds or infections. But here’s the issue: these products are usually non-selective – they don’t distinguish between “bad” and “good” microorganisms.

This means beneficial skin bacteria, which play an important role in protecting and healing the skin, are also destroyed. The result? An imbalance in the skin microbiome – and that balance is essential for keeping skin healthy.

Why the microbiome matters

Your horse’s skin is naturally colonized by a huge variety of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, and more. Together, they form the skin microbiome. This ecosystem defends against harmful pathogens, supports wound healing, and helps control inflammation.

When harsh treatments disrupt this balance, the skin becomes more vulnerable to infections, dries out, or becomes irritated. In short: what helps in the short term can cause problems later on.

Gentle care: Less is often more

Gentle skincare doesn’t mean doing nothing – it means making thoughtful, supportive choices. Products that preserve and support the microbiome allow the skin to protect and heal itself naturally.

Look for products that are:

• pH-balanced for the skin

• Free from harsh disinfectants

• Formulated with gentle, natural ingredients

• Free from fragrances and irritating additives

Doderm Repair Gel – Gentle care with natural antibodies

A great example of gentle yet effective skin support is Doderm Repair Gel. It contains natural milk-derived antibodies that actively promote a healthy skin flora – without disrupting or irritating the skin’s balance. Perfect for sensitive areas, small wounds, or after clipping and shaving.

The gel soothes irritated skin, protects against harmful germs, and supports regeneration – all without aggressive ingredients. It helps your horse heal – the gentle way.

Conclusion

Antibacterial products aren’t inherently bad – but they shouldn’t be your default for every minor skin issue. Your horse’s skin is a finely balanced system that can do a lot on its own, especially with the right support. Gentle care that respects and strengthens the microbiome does more for your horse in the long run than any harsh treatment.

Trust in your horse’s natural defenses – and choose products that truly support them.