For many horse owners, summer brings not only sunshine and long hours in the pasture, but also an invisible burden: summer eczema. What starts as mild rubbing can quickly develop into a serious skin condition. In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize the early signs, what summer eczema actually is, and how to support your horse’s skin in a gentle yet targeted way.

What is summer eczema?

Summer eczema is an allergic skin condition caused by an overreaction to the saliva of certain biting insects, such as midges (Culicoides), biting flies, or horseflies. Symptoms mainly occur during the warmer months, when these insects are most active.

Typical symptoms include:

• Severe itching

• Swelling and bumps

• Dry or scaly patches of skin

• Hair loss and bald spots

• Restlessness, especially in the evenings

Certain horse breeds—particularly hardy breeds such as Icelandic, Fjord, or Friesian horses—are particularly sensitive because their immune systems were not originally adapted to the insect population in Western Europe. Once sensitized, these horses usually exhibit the same allergic reaction every year.

Early detection: watch out for these warning signs

The symptoms of summer eczema often develop gradually. That is why it is important to check your horse’s skin regularly—especially in the spring, when insects become more active again. Note:

• Noticeable bald patches at the mane, base of the tail, or along the belly seam

• Small, itchy bumps after grazing

• Dry patches of skin or scabbing

• Early-stage hair loss

• Restlessness or nervousness at dusk

The sooner you take action, the better your chances of managing the symptoms and keeping your skin balanced.

Preventing summer eczema: what really works

Summer eczema cannot be cured, but with the right combination of protection, care, and strengthening of the skin barrier, you can significantly reduce the symptoms.

1. Limit contact with insects

• Use breathable fly sheets with belly flaps and fine-mesh masks

• Let your horse graze in the early morning or late evening

• Install fans in the barn – mosquitoes avoid moving air

• Remove standing water and keep the pasture well maintained

2. Strengthen the skin barrier – gently

Many conventional ointments contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, or even corticosteroids. These can further irritate skin that is already sensitive. That’s why you should choose a gentle skincare product that supports the microbiome and doesn’t disrupt the skin’s natural balance.

Doderm – Natural support for summer eczema and sensitive horse skin

Doderm Repair Gel has been specially developed for sensitive equine skin—free from irritating ingredients and without compromising on effectiveness. The formula is based on natural antibodies derived from milk, which specifically target harmful bacteria without disrupting the balance of the skin’s flora.

What Doderm offers:

• Support for the skin's natural flora

• Promoting skin repair

• Gentle on the skin, even when it's irritated

• Free of cortisone, alcohol, perfume, and antibiotics

• Suitable for foals, sensitive horses, and animals with allergies

Application tip:
Apply Doderm Repair Gel daily to the affected areas—preferably after cleansing with clean water. A small amount is sufficient.

Caring for them all year round is worth it

Even outside of insect season, consistent skin care is worth the effort. A strong skin barrier can help significantly reduce the risk of a new outbreak next spring and contributes to your horse’s long-term well-being.