What exactly is summer eczema and what triggers this condition?
It is a particularly small creature that can cause great damage here: the midge ‘Culicoides’. Riders colloquially know it as the dreaded ‘no-see-um’. The females of this genus bite horses to feed on their blood. Normally, the bite leaves marks that are not dramatic. Sweet Itch horses react allergically to a substance in the saliva of these no-see-ums, and this allergic reaction can have serious consequences. The bites spread over a larger area and cause unbearable itching in the affected horse, which begins to rub itself.
Who doesn’t know the old saying “Don’t scratch, it only makes it worse.” – and with the Sweet Itch horse, it does get worse: The already damaged body parts develop open sores from rubbing, which crust over and tend to become inflamed. The horse is caught in a cycle that is difficult to control. Often it starts at the mane crest and tail root, and in severe cases, the entire horse’s body can be affected by summer eczema.
How can I tell if my horse is suffering from summer eczema?
The first sign of summer eczema is pustules caused by the bites of the no-see-ums. These are barely visible under the coat at first, but they cause intense itching in the affected horse. This torments the animal, which naturally tries to relieve the scratching and itching by rubbing.
Unfortunately, this only drives the process further: hair falls out at the affected spots, the skin becomes sore, and it can even lead to bleeding wounds.
Horses affected by advanced summer eczema often appear panicked and restless.
What can I do to relieve the itching?
There are various approaches to treating summer eczema. Many horse owners swear by well-known home remedies to protect the horse from the midges and relieve the itching. Whether it’s a generous layer of coconut oil on the chest and belly to prevent midges from attaching, or a mixture of vinegar and water that is supposed to disinfect and keep midges away with its strong smell. Each of these home remedies can provide relief and help repel the no-see-ums. We have compiled a list of the most popular #HOMEHACKS against summer eczema for you, following the motto “Trying is better than studying!”:
• Sulfur (strengthens the immune system)
• White lead for hardening and hornification
• Heart seeds (repel insects)
• Bee venom for allergic reactions to insect bites
• Sage (antibacterial effect)
• Udder cream
• Mixture of water and vinegar
• Penaten cream
• Garlic
• Arnica tincture
• Disinfectant spray
• Aloe vera
• Healing clay
• Zinc ointment
• Coconut oil
• Tea tree oil
• Nettle paste
• Bach flower therapy
• Sunscreen
• Birch hair water
• Honey and cod liver oil
Of course, you should consult your veterinarian before applying these home remedies to your beloved horse.
How else can I protect my horse?
The most proven protection against the nasty no-see-ums that cause summer eczema are so-called Sweet Itch Rugs. You’ve probably seen a horse covered from head to toe in summer – it may look funny at first glance, but it helps! The fine-meshed Fly Protection and Sweet Itch Rugs like the EKZEMERDECKE RAMBO HOODY from HORSEWARE IRELAND were specially developed to protect the sensitive skin of allergic horses. They offer maximum protection; even the smallest insects have little chance against the RAMBO HOODY. They also provide enormous wearing comfort and UV protection to protect your four-legged friend’s sensitive skin. For those who like it a bit wilder, the SWEET ITCHY ZEBRA Sweet Itch Rug from the cult brand BUCAS is a must-have. Maximum protection in zebra design – this makes your favorite not only the absolute #EYE-CATCHER of the herd, but the design is more than just fashion. It has been proven that zebras evolved their special coat pattern because insects cannot easily spot them through it. This #GAMECHANGER of nature has been utilized by BUCAS, which is why you can now spot more and more zebras on our local pastures. :-)
You should always combine these special Sweet Itch Rugs with a Fly Mask to ensure your horse’s head is optimally protected as well. We are totally in love with the FLY MASK SLIM FIT from our top brand KENTUCKY HORSEWEAR. It fits comfortably on your horse’s head without slipping and offers plenty of freedom around the eyes.
Get ready for summer!
With a combination of common home remedies and a protective Sweet Itch Rug, we say #FIGHTTHEFLIES and give insects like no-see-ums no chance! Feel free to visit our shop; we have a large selection of Fly Protection and accessories for your Sweet Itch horse – so you and your favorite can enjoy the summer to the fullest. :-)
