Summer eczema in horses

Summer eczema in horses is a persistent problem that causes a great deal of concern. As the name suggests, many horses suffer from this condition during the warmer months of the year. Horses with summer eczema experience severe itching around the mane and tail. This is why the terms “tail eczema” and “mane eczema” are also commonly used. As a result of this itching, horses rub against any available surfaces, such as stable walls, the feed trough, or posts in the pasture. Excessive rubbing damages the skin and, consequently, the microbiome of the mane and tail base, sometimes even causing bleeding! This makes these rubbed areas susceptible to infections, with all the associated consequences. Unfortunately, there is no medication or treatment yet that can completely prevent summer eczema, but there are many ways to alleviate symptoms. In this blog, we explain what causes summer eczema, how you can alleviate symptoms, and how Doderm Hydro RepairGel can help a horse with summer eczema. 

The cause of summer eczema

Summer eczema is caused by an allergic reaction to the proteins in the saliva of the Culicoides robertii midge. These are very small midges, also known as sand flies, that are most common from March through October. These midges are most active at sunrise and sunset and thrive in calm, windless environments with plenty of trees and shrubs. Although every horse is occasionally bitten by a midge, (fortunately) not every horse suffers from summer eczema. However, certain breeds, such as cold-blooded horses (Friesians, Haflingers, Fjords), are more prone to developing summer eczema. But this is not a universal rule, as summer eczema also occurs in other breeds. 

Relieve symptoms

There are several ways to relieve symptoms in horses with summer eczema. 

Eczema blankets:

An eczema blanket is a cotton blanket that horseflies cannot bite through. This blanket covers the horse’s neck, back, belly, and tail to prevent horsefly bites. The fewer bites your horse receives, the less likely it is to develop an allergic reaction. One drawback of an eczema blanket is that it can get very hot for your horse on hot days.

Diet:
Research has shown that horses with summer eczema experience more itching when fed a high-sugar diet. This includes grain-based pellets, muesli, and mash. However, treats such as apples, bread, and carrots also contain a lot of sugar. In addition, grazing on pastures with plenty of fresh grass also contains a large amount of sugar and is not recommended for horses with summer eczema. The exact cause of this has not yet been determined, but it likely has to do with the fact that this diet throws the intestinal flora out of balance and overloads the immune system, causing horses with summer eczema to experience more symptoms.

Skin care:

Horses with summer eczema can sometimes rub themselves until they bleed. This leads to bald patches, thickened skin, and open wounds. Doderm Hydro RepairGel can provide relief. When the skin’s microbiome is damaged by excessive rubbing, bacteria such as staphylococci can come to the surface. These bacteria can cause nasty infections. The main ingredient in our skin gel is antibodies derived from cow colostrum. These antibodies specifically bind to toxins, effectively disarming the bacteria. This helps the skin regain its resistance. The “good” bacteria return and are nourished by our skin gel, while the “bad” bacteria disappear. The pH levels in the skin are restored to the correct balance. Additionally, Doderm contains oat extract, which helps relieve itching. Want to know more about exactly how Doderm Hydro RepairGel works? Read all about it on our “How Does It Work” page! 

If you have any questions about how best to use Doderm Hydro RepairGel for your horse with summer eczema, please contact us. We’d be happy to advise you! If you’d like to learn more about common skin problems in horses or dogs, please read our other blogs.