It sounds like your cow is suffering from photosensitization. Photosensitive animals will scratch at lightly pigmented, exposed areas of skin (ears, eyelids, muzzle). It can cause the skin lesions you mention when animals are exposed to bright sunlight. In very severe cases the skin may completely slough off in these areas.

The most common cause in cattle is when levels of a photosensitizing agent, phylloerythrin, build up usually secondary to liver dysfunction. Other causes are excessive consumption of a photosensitizing agent or problems with the enzymes that break down these agents. Treatment involves keeping the cow out of the light. This should allow her skin lesions to heal. Watch out for secondary skin infections and fly strike. If it is very severe your cow may need a corticosteroid injection and you will need to contact your vet for this. Her long term prognosis will depend on the initial cause, for example liver disease, and how severe the current problem is.

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