How to treat Rain Rot

I have a couple of calves that have rain rot.  What is the best way to treat this? 

penicillin & keeping calves dry. It is a bacteria that usually happens to calves w/ thick hair. I ran into this several years ago & it was a nightmare. Keep area so there is air circulation, so don't use any heavy goop on them.
After I saw some hair I used a light coating of baby oil.


Good luck  (welcome)

Red

Rain rot is caused by the fungal organism Dermatophilus congolensis. Other names of the disease are rain scald and streptothricosis. Contrary to what a lot of people think, the organism has not been demonstrated to proliferate or be present in dirt or soil. The organism is dependent on a carrier animal who has the organism on its skin, and who may or may not be affected by it. There is some natural immunity, but some animals seem to be more susceptible to it, and that's why some animals get it year after year.

With any fungus the best treat are dry conditions. Keeping air circulation to the area affected is the best. They make great topical antifungals. Sullvans make an antifungal shampoo.

I am just wondering if Rain rot is a regional condition.  I live in Illinois and have never seen it before coming to this website.  Could it also be that I raise Angus and they don't have as much hair as the Clubbies?  Just trying to learn something new!

I have never seen it in cattle, but have seen several cases on horses and donkeys. Dry conditions and iodine seemed to help as much as anything.

As already stated "rain rot" is caused by Dermatophilus congolensisis...it is evident by the classic "paintbrush" appearance of the hair protruding through the scab after the  lesions are removed...It is also true that there can be carrier states that exist, however it is a common misconception that it is a fungus.  Dermatophilus congolensisis is actually a gram (+) Microaerophilic spore forming bacteria.  It usually seen in the fall in winter monthes when it's damp hence the name "rain rot".  Treatment involves: scab removal, bathing with an iodine shampoo or captan dip, and then 7 to 14 days of Penicllin (can also use erythromycin or oxytetracycline if you don't have penicllin)...I guess I did learn at least one useful thing in dermatology....good luck