What is summer eczema? | MHS Equestrian

Summer eczema is a known problem with ponies, horses, miniature horses and Shetland pigs. More and more horses are suffering from summer eczema. The itching is caused by a small mosquito. When this mosquito pricks a horse, it leaves some saliva. Horses that are sensitive to summer eczema have an allergic reaction to this. This allergic reaction causes terrible itching. Summer eczema is hardly ever seen in young horses and ponies. Often summer eczema only appears from about 2-3 years after which it can get worse every year. This applies to horses, ponies, miniature horses and Shetland ponies.

What are the causes of summer eczema?

Summer eczema occurs in various degradations. There are also several factors that may or may not affect the severity of the itch. Due to the influence of so many different factors, it is unclear what individual factors are and what to do about it.

Small mosquitoes
The mosquitoes, also known as midges, are one of the main causes. These mosquitoes come in different shapes and sizes and are spread throughout Europe. They are smaller than normal mosquitoes that sting people and cannot fly very well. When the wind blows, they hardly ever occur. They are most common in humid, windless weather, especially in the evening. You will also find them around places with water. The midges lay their eggs in the water.

Influence of diet
The horses' food and digestion (intestines) also influence summer eczema and its sensitivity. The intestines absorb various nutrients and waste products. These are then absorbed into the blood and transported. When there is an excess of certain nutrients in the blood, such as proteins, this mainly causes the following:

1. Too much protein affects the skin and worsens skin problems;
2. When there are too many nutrients / waste products in the blood, less foreign substances, such as those from the mosquito saliva, can be removed. In this way, the horses suffer longer from these substances and the allergic reaction becomes longer. Mini horses and Shetland pigs can be very sensitive to excess protein.

The general condition of your horse also has a major influence on summer eczema and its sensitivity to it. If your horse is not feeling well or is on the thin side, then chances are that the resistance is also lower than that of a healthy horse. Summer eczema will then also have a chance.

Of course, this does not mean that healthy horses cannot get summer eczema, they can. The general condition of the horse does influence the extent to which they suffer from it and it is actually reflected.

Difficult to detect
All in all, it is therefore very difficult to detect all individual factors. Factors that certainly play a role are the Culicoides mosquitoes, the hereditary predisposition of the horse, the diet and the general condition of the horse. Genetic predisposition In addition to the external factors that influence summer eczema, there is also a hereditary variant of summer eczema. Despite the fact that summer eczema is hereditary, it is not necessary for a mare to have a foal with summer eczema.

Other hereditary factors that also apply, for example, are the coat color. It is well known that dark coat horses fly and attract mosquitoes more than light coat horses. On this basis, it can be assumed that horses with a dark coat are generally stabbed more than horses with a light coat. Shetland is known to be extremely sensitive to summer eczema along with Icelanders, Arabs and Frisians.

How can I tell that my horse has summer eczema?

Horses get extreme itching from summer eczema and will try to get rid of the itch in as many ways as possible. This varies from sanding against trees, the stable wall or feed trough to extremely many rolls. The skin of the horse can become very irritated, which is reflected in bald spots, wounds and a lot of dander. In addition, inflammation can arise because bacteria can penetrate more easily. It is also possible that your horse's mane crest becomes thicker and has many folds.

Unfortunately, there is not (yet) a test available with which you could check whether your horse has summer eczema. Very difficult, since there are of course more reasons why a horse gets itchy and starts to sand. Determining summer eczema is therefore difficult.

How can I treat my horse against summer eczema?

Summer eczema cannot be cured. Of course this does not mean that your horse has been completely written off. There are many different tools to relieve or slow down the eczema in your horse so that it can still function normally.

You get the best result by preventing the eczema; stinging through the (Cullicoid) mosquitoes. An eczema rug, also known as a penance rug, offers a way out. Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk. It is recommended to keep your horse indoors at those times, as the chances of it being stung there are less than outdoors.

For many horses, the eczema period starts as early as March and only subsides around October.

Odor neutralizing sprays also (temporarily) help keep the mosquitoes at bay, just like garlic by eating your horse.

You can use special lotions to relieve the itch in your horse. If you want to tackle it completely rigorously, an ointment or lotion with Cortison in it is recommended. Cortisone is a hormone that stops itching if properly applied to the extremely itchy areas. Unfortunately, as with people with eczema, this hormone lotion should not be used for too long. It is a fairly aggressive agent that affects the skin and makes it thinner. If you apply this ointment to your horse, always use gloves. Avoid contact with bare skin or eyes.

Tools and Tips

• Eczema rug - An eczema rug prevents your horse from being stung by the Culicoides mosquitoes. We recommend that you wash your horse completely with Betadine shampoo and then treat it with an itch-relieving lotion. Then put on the eczema rug. This way you can be sure that your horse goes "clean" and with as little itching as possible under the rug. The rug prevents new allergic reaction to the mosquitoes.
• Sweet itch lotion - This lotion largely counteracts itching. A relief for your horse. You can apply the Sweet itch lotion 1-2 times a day as needed. Massage well. Be careful with open wounds. In that case, the lotion can sting.
• Vetericyn skin care - This spray is disinfectant. Ideal if your horse has rubbed its skin through the itch. The spray also disinfects, treats and relieves the itching a bit. Does not sting, so it can be easily sprayed on open wounds for treatment.
• Do not feed too much protein.
• Keeping your horse indoors at dawn and dusk - The Culicoides mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Since the mosquitoes hardly come in, your horse is more protected inside.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to cure summer eczema in your horse. So there are several actions you can take to keep the summer eczema under control and to relieve it.

There are several beautiful eczema rugs available in various shapes and sizes. In addition, there are also various lotions, sprays, ointments and supplements on the market to keep mosquitoes at bay.

It is recommended to bring your horse inside with sunrise and sunset as the mosquitoes hardly ever come here.

For many horses, the eczema period starts as early as March and only subsides around October. It is recommended to take the above actions during this entire period.