The best medicated horse shampoos and washes usually have antibacterial and/or antifungal properties. They can be used to relieve itching and help to prevent reoccurrence of inflammation and infection. They are often contain many natural ingredients, of which tea tree is particularly popular thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
If your horse is particularly sensitive, it would be worth considering one of the best horse shampoos for sensitive skin.
Best medicated horse shampoos for itchy skin
Cavalor Derma Wash
Sizes: 500ml, 2l
Washes per bottle: 15–20 for 500ml
RRP: £18 for 500ml
A medicated and pH-balanced shampoo containing Chlorhexidine for improved skin hygiene and a healthy coat. May also be used as a detergent in the washing machine or on tack to prevent cross infection. Perfect before clipping or for horses with flaky skin and dull coats.
Aqueos Anti-Bacterial Horse Shampoo
Sizes: 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: unavailable
RRP: £14.50 for 1l
This gentle, alcohol and phenol-free shampoo is ideal for daily use and various skin conditions in horses. It soothes irritations, fungal issues, itchy skin, and fly irritation in the summer, while also helping with winter skin challenges. For best results, leave on for two minutes before rinsing.
I use this shampoo regularly on my sensitive mare as she has itchy skin in the summer months.
NAF Naturalintx Teatree Oil Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: 25 from 500ml
RRP: £12.99 for 500ml
Care for your horse’s coat with this natural yet effective cleansing formula that is ideal for frequent use. It contains teatree oil to help maintain a clean and healthy coat, and is trusted for its ability to cleanse the coat without stripping the natural oils.
Shapley’s Medi-Care Medicated Shampoo
Sizes: 8oz, 32oz, 1gal
RRP: £11.50 for 8oz
This shampoo is gentle enough for daily use to help maintain healthy skin. The blend of tea tree and lemongrass oils in this Shapley’s formula creates a natural antibacterial, antifungal shampoo.
Carr & Day & Martin Gallop Medicated Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml
Washes per bottle: 5–10
RRP: £13.70
This medicated shampoo deeply cleanses and conditions, soothes irritated skin, and softens hair. The pH-neutral formula contains natural oils to lift scabs and dandruff, leaving a shiny coat. Ideal for dry, flaky, itchy, or sensitive skin.
Dermoline Medicated Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 5l
Washes per bottle: Unavailable
RRP: £10.50 for 500ml
This antibacterial shampoo contains an added conditioner that helps to prevent skin flaking and scurf.
Equine America Fungatrol No Rinse Body Wash
Sizes: 500ml
Washes per bottle: 10
RRP: £16.99
Fungatrol No Rinse Body wash is a non-irritant no-rinse wash, made with powerful plant-based ingredients. It’s ideal for use during the winter months if your horse has dry or flaky skin.
Hy Equestrian Magic Tingle Tea Tree Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 5l
Washes per bottle: 25 from 500ml
RRP: £10.99 for 500ml
This antibacterial shampoo contains a fusion of natural tea tree oil, peppermint extracts and avocado oil. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and the gentle yet effective cleaning action will ensure optimum coat and skin condition.
Barrier Anti-Itch Soothing Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: 10 – 15 from 500ml
RRP: From £13.75 for 500ml
This lathering, rich but gentle anti-bacterial shampoo with a conditioning effect is formulated for year-round use. It contains tea tree, aloe vera, chamomile and lavender, which soothe bitten or inflamed areas. Suitable for regular use to help eliminate scurfy skin and maintain a healthy coat.
WildWash Equine Natural Medicated Horse Shampoo
Sizes: 300ml, 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: 10 from 300ml
RRP: £14.95 for 300ml
This natural medicated equine shampoo contains juniper, manuka, and lemongrass to help reduce bite pain and swelling, soothe muscles, balance skin moisture to prevent dryness, and encourage hair growth.
Leovet Tea Tree Body Wash
Sizes: 500ml
Washes per bottle: 10–14
RRP: £10.95
The tea tree oil in this shampoo nourishes the coat, skin, and hair, and relieves itching. It also has a sebum-regulating effect and protects from blocked pores especially in the saddle area, and provides shine. The long-lasting fragrance doubles as a fly repellent.
Wahl Tea Tree Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 5l
Washes per bottle: Unavailable
RRP: £9.99 for 500ml
Designed to gently comfort the skin as it cleans, this tea tree shampoo gently removes dirt, grease, and odours. The formula is designed to soothe and cool.
Smart Grooming Peppermint Shampoo
Sizes: 250ml, 500ml, 1l, 5l
Washes per bottle: 25 from 250ml
RRP: £7.95 for 250ml
This deep-cleansing shampoo contains added peppermint oils, which cut through the grease and dirt to promote healthy skin and a hydrated coat. It can be used neat or diluted.
Lincoln Medicated Shampoo
Sizes: 500ml, 4l
Washes per bottle: unavailable
RRP: £10.50 for 500ml
This shampoo works deep into your horse’s coat and effectively removes dirt, skin debris and grease and leaves the skin and coat healthy, refreshed and revitalised. Its powerful cleaning formula is ideal for itchy, irritated skin.
How to apply medicated horse shampoo
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully; some medicated horse shampoos are applied directly to the horse’s coat, while others must be diluted first. Begin with a wet coat. Work the shampoo into the coat using a brush, sponge, or hand to create a good lather. Certain medicated shampoos require a specific contact time before rinsing to effectively cleanse the horse’s skin. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
To help prevent wastage and ensure even coverage explore this selection of tools designed to help you lather shampoo effectively to get the best results.
Do I need a medicated shampoo for my horse?
Medicated horse shampoos can help to address skin issues like dryness and itchiness. Antifungal shampoos, with gentle formulas, are effective for common problems, soothing skin and restoring natural immunity. This leads to a soft, smooth coat without excess oil. If you want to further support your horse’s skin and coat health, you may want to consider the best skin and coat supplements for horses.
You might also like:
11 gentle shampoos and washes for horses with sensitive skin
20 shampoos that will get your horse sparkling – because he’s worth it!
8 rugs to help protect horses who are prone to sweet itch
Skin and coat supplements: what’s on the market?
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