Summer eczema in horses is a challenge
For many horse owners, summer brings not only sunshine and long hours of pasture time, 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 significantly complicate daily care. Is summer eczema 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. Midges of the genus Culicoides are particularly common, but biting flies or horseflies can also play a role. The condition occurs mainly during the warmer months when insect activity increases.
Typically, sensitive areas of the body are affected—places where the skin is thin or where insects tend to bite.
- manenkam
- starting point
- side seam
Symptoms of summer eczema in horses
- severe, persistent itching
- shaving the mane, tail root, or belly seam
- skin injuries, including self-harm
- swelling and bumps
- moist or scaly patches of skin
- Hair loss and bald spots
- restlessness and nervousness, especially at dusk
Protect horses from summer eczema with eczema blankets
Healthy horses regulate their body temperature very well and rarely need a blanket in the summer. For horses with summer eczema, however, a blanket is a necessary layer of protection. Special summer eczema blankets clearly alleviate symptoms by:
- Physical barrier: drastically reduce contact with biting insects.
- Abrasion protection: prevent excessive abrasion and further self-injury.
- Skin protection: Protect sensitive areas from UV rays and dirt.
The blanket should be breathable, fine-meshed, and fit perfectly. Keep in mind that a blanket alone cannot completely solve the problem.
Treating and Preventing Summer Eczema in Horses: Eczema Blankets & RepairGel Horse Doderm
Summer eczema creates a vicious cycle of biting, itching, rubbing, and inflammation. A lasting recovery therefore requires a two-pronged approach: protection and targeted care.
| Measure | Doel | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Eczema blankets | Protection from the outside | Creates a barrier against insects and minimizes mechanical irritation. Essential for preventing new bites and wounds. |
| RepairGel Horse Doderm | Dish regeneration | Apply to areas of skin that are already damaged, weakened, or irritated. |
Treating summer eczema with Doderm
Doderm supports the regeneration of the skin’s natural barrier. Its microbiome-friendly formula soothes the skin without drying it out or causing further irritation. This is especially important under the covers, where heat and moisture can make the skin extra sensitive. Doderm restores the skin’s natural balance rather than simply masking the symptoms.
Together, a well-fitting eczema blanket and the RepairGel ensure maximum effectiveness. While the blanket keeps new external irritants at bay, the RepairGel creates optimal conditions for the skin’s natural healing process. This consistent approach to protection and care is the key to effectively combating and stabilizing summer eczema over the long term.
The blanket blocks external stimuli—and helps the skin regenerate on its own.
This blog was written in collaboration with Atorka Reitsport. 🐴
