Treating flakey skin in girth area?

[aks710]

My TB gelding has very dry, flakey skin (sort of like dandruff but slightly thicker, larger pieces) all along his girth area, especially under his belly. It doesn't seem to bother him (ie, it's not itchy as far as I can tell). He's also developed a quarter-sized, pink, dry, raw spot where his fur is completely gone-- just near the top edge of the girth, right beneath the end of the saddle pad. There's no bleeding or blistering but it looks like it might be heading in that direction.

I've used a leather Tad Coffin girth on him for months and he's been fine, and now we've switched to a fleece-covered girth but the dry skin and raw spot haven't improved. I've tried Vitamin D and that hasn't done much, either. We just clipped him, and I'm not sure if that will help or make things worse.
Any topical ointment, girth brand/type, or medication suggestions? Thank you!!

[twofatponies]

My mare used to get that in the summer - not so bad as yours sounds, but the dandruffy skin under the girth. I used to keep it under control with that stinky sulfury oil (it's late and the brand name eludes me - MTG?) and keeping the girth really clean. A year or so ago I switched to a string girth and she never got the flaky skin again. Perhaps it doesn't hold the sweat in as much?

[mjmvet]

Yup - its called Shapley's M-T-G, and its a sulfur based treatment that helps remove the excess dead, flaking skin. Works like a charm, but it is a little oily. Sounds like your horse is sensitive to something - fit, material, the cleaner?, the dye in the leather? - who knows? Can you give him time off from wearing anything at all? maybe some long lining?

[sublimequine]

My mare gets funky skin around her girth area when she's clipped, too. I use one of these:

http://www.legacytack.com/pc/10749/GIRTH/The+Incredible+Ovation+Girth+Sock.html

Super absorbent so the sweat isn't trapped next to the skin for the whole ride, which seemed to be causing the funky skin in my mare. :)

[Leather]

Bickmore Gall Salve

http://www.shanestack.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-5945#longdesc

Mohair girth

[aks710]

Thanks, all. These options sound good... and affordable! :)

[faluut42]

Head and Shoulders! I bathes my TB mare in it and a TON of flakey skin came off and she is SUPER shiny.

I also put vitamin e oil that i got at Trader Joes and my mares coat grew in BLACK when I put in on her shoulder rubs.

[Badger]

Sponge on some apple cider vinegar on the area after each ride.