Tail Rot?

Question
My old 20+ mare seems to have tail rot. What can I do? I have used iodine and Blu-Kote on it so far. She has bare patches  under her tail and the hide is coming off with the hair. I have cleaned it with warm water and soap, then combed it, coated it with iodine first and then with the Blue-Kote. Will these scaly areas stop spreading? She is the only horse I have. I hope it is not the mange!
HelP!
there are no equine vets in the area I live, I would have to travel many, many miles and a few hours to get to one and I have no trailer.

Answer
D4ar Jennifer,
I am sorry this response is so late. I responded at work and it must have not been sent. Anyway  if you're using iodine, I hope it is VERY VERY VERY dilute- as iodine will burn and create more of a problem that you already have. She may have sweet itch. I would however, take some digital photos of the affected area and e-mail them to your closest equine vet. While not idea;, he or she may be able to offer you some clinical advice. In the meanwhile, I would soak the area in warm water and gently remove any scabs- organisms can hide under scabs so any medication you use won't be affecting them. Then I would soap the area with betatine (an iodine based surgical scrub) leave it on for five minutes then thoroughly rinse. See if you can buy some Hibitane antibiotic cram- it is non greasy and more like a lotion- allowing air to get at the area.
I hope this helps,
S. Evans