10/13/2026
Backside Basics: Common Topicals Used on Legs 🐴
Around the racetrack, there are a handful of topical products you’ll see over and over again. Some are used after training, some are used under wraps, and others are kept around for cuts, scrapes, skin irritation, or swelling. The important thing is knowing what each product is generally used for — and that they are not all interchangeable.
Ichthammol / drawing salve is commonly used in a sweat, especially for things like bucked shins or localized soreness and swelling. It’s often applied under paper or a standing wrap and used when you want a drawing-type topical while the leg is being monitored.
Poultice is one of the most common everyday leg-care products on the backside. It’s generally used after training or racing to help cool the legs, reduce heat and mild filling, and help the legs look and feel tighter after work.
Furazone / Fura-Free is often used in sweat wraps and on certain skin or wound issues. Depending on the product and situation, it may be used to help manage inflammation or irritated tissue, and you’ll also hear it discussed around granulation tissue and certain skin conditions.
DMSO is a penetrating topical commonly used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may be used by itself or, in some barns, combined with other products in a sweat. Because DMSO can carry substances through the skin, the area should be clean and it should be used carefully and under the direction of the trainer or veterinarian.
SSD — silver sulfadiazine is a topical antimicrobial cream commonly used on cuts, scrapes, burns, and other superficial wounds where you want to protect the area and support clean healing.
Panalog / Animax is a medicated ointment sometimes used on irritated skin and certain wound issues. Around the racetrack, you may also hear it used when managing proud flesh or excessive granulation tissue, depending on the wound and veterinary direction.
Wonder Dust is a drying wound powder commonly used on superficial cuts and scrapes. It can help dry the surface and is often used on areas with minor bleeding or proud flesh, but it is not the right choice for every open wound.
Witch hazel is a mild astringent and soothing topical. It’s often used when you want something gentle for minor irritation, sensitivity, or to freshen and cool an area without using a stronger medicated product.
The biggest thing to remember is that topicals are tools, not one-size-fits-all treatments. A hot leg, a filled ankle, an abrasion, an open wound, proud flesh, and a skin condition all need different care.
Know what you’re treating before you put something on it, and follow the trainer or veterinarian’s direction when medicated products are involved.
