As soon as temperatures rise, flies start to make their return — and for many horses, it’s not just an annoying buzz, but a serious skin stressor. Some horses develop allergic reactions to fly bites, leading to intense itching, inflammation, and restlessness. If your horse is scratching or rubbing more than usual, it could be suffering from what’s known as insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), also referred to as sweet itch.

What Causes the Allergy?

The root of the problem is an overactive immune response to proteins in the saliva of biting insects such as midges (Culicoides), horseflies, or blackflies. The body reacts with inflammation and itching, especially around the mane, tail base, and belly line.

Did you know?
Once a horse becomes sensitized, it typically develops the allergic reaction again every year. Certain breeds, such as Icelandic horses, are particularly susceptible.

Common Symptoms

Signs of a fly bite allergy in horses may include:

• Intense rubbing of the mane, tail, or belly

• Crusty or oozing skin patches

• Swellings, lumps, or welts

• Hair loss or bald spots

• Restlessness or irritability, especially in the evening

Tips for Relief and Prevention

With the right care, you can help protect your horse’s skin and reduce symptoms significantly.

Reduce insect exposure

• Use fly sheets with belly flaps and protective fly masks

• Adjust turnout times to early mornings and late evenings

• Install fans in the stable — flies avoid moving air

• Keep pastures clean and eliminate standing water

Soothe and strengthen the skin

Avoid harsh creams or disinfectants that can further damage the skin barrier. Gentle, microbiome-friendly care like Doderm Repair Gel can offer real relief:

• Supports the skin’s natural flora

• Encourages regeneration

• Doesn’t sting, even on irritated skin

• Suitable for daily use

Tip:
Apply Doderm Repair Gel directly to affected areas, ideally after rinsing with clean water. A small amount goes a long way.

Support the skin from the inside out

• Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., from flaxseed) strengthen skin structure

• Antioxidants like vitamin E can help reduce inflammation

• Antihistamines or allergy testing may be helpful — consult your vet

Why Doderm Is a Smart Choice

Many conventional skin care products contain harsh ingredients that can further irritate already sensitive horse skin. Doderm takes a different approach:

• Natural milk-derived antibodies target only harmful bacteria

• Free from corticosteroids, antibiotics, and alcohol

• Gentle enough for daily use

• Suitable for sensitive horses, foals, and allergy-prone animals

Did you know?
Doderm’s technology is backed by over 10 years of clinical research and is already being successfully used in veterinary medicine.

Year-Round Skin Care Pays Off

Even outside fly season, consistent skin care is worth it. A stronger skin barrier offers long-term protection — and can help reduce the severity of symptoms when spring returns.

Doderm – Natural Support for Sensitive Horse Skin

Fly bite allergies can be deeply uncomfortable for your horse. But with targeted prevention and gentle care, summer can be much more manageable. Discover our animal-friendly solutions and give your horse the support it deserves — gentle, effective, and microbiome-friendly.