Summer eczema in horses is a challenge
For many horse owners, summer brings not only sunshine and long hours of grazing, but also an often underestimated challenge: summer eczema. What starts as occasional rubbing can quickly develop into a chronic and painful skin condition. The intense itching, sometimes even open sores, and increasing restlessness affect your horse’s well-being and place a significant burden on daily care. Is the summereczema in horses a challenge? Many factors play a role, as you can read in this blog.
What is summer eczema?
Summer eczema is an allergic skin condition triggered by an overreaction of the immune system to the saliva of certain biting insects. It is particularly common in midges of the genus Culicoides, but biting flies and horseflies can also play a role. The condition occurs primarily during the warmer months, when insect activity increases.
Typically, sensitive areas of the body where the skin is thin or where insects tend to bite are affected.
- mane comb
- tail fin
- abdominal incision
Symptoms of summer eczema in horses
- Severe, persistent itching
- Intense rubbing against the mane, the base of the tail, or the belly
- Skin injuries, including self-harm
- Swelling and hives
- Weeping or crusted areas of skin
- Hair loss and bald patches
- Restlessness and nervousness, especially at dusk
Protect horses from summer eczema with eczema blankets
Healthy horses are excellent at regulating their body temperature and rarely need a blanket in the summer. For horses with Ssummer eczema , however, a blanket is a necessary protective layer. Special summer eczema blankets alleviate symptoms significantly through:
- Physical barrier: Drastically reduce contact with biting insects.
- Preventing self-harm: Avoid excessive grinding and further self-injury.
- Skin protection: Protect sensitive areas from UV rays and dirt.
The blanket should be breathable, have a fine weave, and fit perfectly. Please note that a blanket alone cannot completely solve the problem.
Treating and Preventing Summer Eczema in Horses: Eczema Blanket & RepairGel Horse Doderm
Summer eczema creates a vicious cycle of stinging, itching, skin abrasions, and inflammation. A lasting recovery therefore requires a two-pronged approach: protection and targeted care.
|
Trade Shows |
Purpose |
Surgery |
|
Eczema blanket |
External protection |
Creates a barrier against insects and minimizes mechanical irritation. Essential for preventing new bites and wounds. |
|
RepairGel Horse Doderm |
Targeted recovery |
Apply to areas of skin that are already affected, weakened, or irritated. |
Treating summer eczema with Doderm
Doderm supports the regeneration of the skin’s natural barrier. The Microbiome-friendly fformulation bsoothes the skin without drying it out or causing additional irritation. This is crucial, especially under a blanket, where heat and moisture can make the skin particularly sensitive. Doderm restores the natural balance and does not merely mask symptoms.
Together, a well-fitting eczema blanket and the Repairgel for maximum effectiveness. While the blanket keeps new external irritants at bay, the RepairGel creates optimal conditions for the skin’s self-repair. This consistent approach to protection and care is the key to effectively combating summer eczema over the long term and stabilizing it
The blanket blocks external stimuli – Doderm supports the skin in its own regeneration.
This blog was co-authored with Atorka Equestrian Sports
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