Summer eczema is a common but irritating skin condition in horses, especially during the summer months. Here you can read about what summer eczema is, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to best prevent and treat the condition in your horse.
What is summer eczema?
Summer eczema is an itchy skin condition caused by insect bites from midges, horseflies, blowflies, and stable flies. Horses on summer pasture are particularly susceptible, but the condition can occur in all horses throughout the summer, especially in May and September. It is often pronounced in Icelandic horses and ponies, but can affect all horse breeds.
Is summer eczema contagious?
Summer eczema is not contagious from horse to horse, as it is an allergic reaction to the saliva of midges. When the horses are bitten, their immune system reacts with an allergic response that results in skin changes. The specific attack points on the horse are typically at the crest, back, and base of the tail, which are areas where the midge (Culicoides pulicaris) prefers to bite.
What are the symptoms of summer eczema?
- Skin changes primarily in the mane and tail, but also affecting the back and belly.
- Redness and formation of small fluid-filled blisters.
- Weeping eczema, with serum oozing, that dries into yellowish crusts.
- Intense itching.
- The horse rubs its mane and tail, causing the hair to wear off and the skin to become further irritated.
- Deep wounds may occur in the affected areas.
How is it treated?
Summer eczema is caused by insects, so the first step in treatment is to remove the horse from areas with a high risk of insect attacks. Mites are most active in the evening and at dawn, so it can be effective to keep the horse in the stable in the evening and let it out again in the morning.
The local skin changes can be treated with:
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Wash with medicated shampoo to cleanse the affected areas.
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Applying care products, such as HypoClean, to relieve irritation and promote healing.
How do you prevent it?
Prevention is key to avoiding the onset or worsening of summer eczema. Here are some tips to reduce the risk:
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Keep the horse in the stable in the evening, especially during the periods when the mites are most active, i.e., in May and September.
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Switch to a pasture in an open and airy area where there are fewer insects.
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If the horse is troubled by summer eczema in a specific pasture, you may consider moving it to another stable or a new pasture.
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Over time, some horses may develop immunity, which means they will have milder symptoms if they have been severely affected in the past.
By following these preventive measures, you can help your horse avoid the annoying and painful symptoms of summer eczema.
