When the good days settle, many horses see theirharsh skin comfort. You may have noticed that your horse suffers from repeated itching, constantly rubbing or with much more sensitive skin than usual.
The summer dermatitis is one of the most feared inconveniences of the warm season. If it does not concern all horses in the same way, it can deeply itheir daily well-beingand therefore deserves your full attention to prevent it and, in cases where it is already there, relieve it.
At ESC Laboratoire, we plan to accompany the horses concerned in a global way. Forrelieve summer dermatitisIt is indeed important to:
- acting on its environment,
- take care of his skin from the outside,
- but also support the inside organism.
This coherent approach helps the horse to live better during the summer, while respecting its natural balance.
What is the summer dermatitis in the horse?
Every year, with the return of the beautiful days, some horses developmarked skin sensitivitywhich can strongly impact their comfort. Summer dermatitis is one of these seasonal problems whose manifestations vary greatly from one individual to another, both in intensity and frequency.
Skin sensitivity due to summer season
DERE, or Estival Dermatitis Recidivant of Equids, better known as dermit is aexacerbated skin reaction occurring mainly in spring and summer. It is frequently associated with hypersensitivity to insect bites, specifically to saliva of certain sticky insects, especially the Culicoids, small flies very active in warm and humid environments.
In the horses concerned, the skin becomes more reactive and uncomfortable, which encourages them to rub repeatedly against their environment. As its name indicates,DERE is a recurrent disease, which means that once it appears, it will reappear every year and worsen a little more each time.
Why are some horses more sensitive than others?
The prevalence (i.e. the number of equidae with the disease compared to the total number of equidae) is1 in 10 horses in France.In fact, not all horses exposed to insects necessarily develop summer dermatitis.
Several factors can influence this sensitivity:
- Individual landAll equidae can develop this hypersensitivity at any age. However, this cutaneous pathology appears to be hereditary in nature and is generally affected by lines.
- EnvironmentWetlands, significant presence of insects, favourable climatic conditions for their proliferation.
- Lifestyle: time spent outside, quality of shelter, management of pastures.
- General balance of the body: a horse whose body is over-solicity or unbalanced can be more reactive.
These combined elements explain why some horses show discrete and punctual signs, while others show marked sensitivity each summer season.
Recognize the signs of summer dermit in horses
Summer dermatitis is not limited to occasional friction. When it settles down, it often manifests itself throughintense itchingwhich pushes the horse to constantly seek relief.
Areas most frequently affectedby the summer dermatitis are :
- the mane,
- the base of the tail,
- neckline,
- the withers,
- belly
- or the inner side of the thighs.
As a result of rubbing, the horse can have alocalized hair loss, broken or torn screens, sometimes giving this typical aspect of « Rattail ».
The skin can then become more reactive and marked: diffuse redness, small buttons, squams or thickened areas appear gradually. In sensitive horses from year to year, these manifestations may intensify with time, with the skin thickening and losing its flexibility. The discomfort may also result ingeneral condition or increased sensitivity to touch.
Beyond the skin,behaviour is often a valuable indicatorto diagnose and improve the skin comfort of the horse. A horse usually laid may become more irritable, less available, or show unusual agitation, especially when dressing or handling.
Preventing summer dermatitis: the right reflexes that make the difference
The environment of the horse plays a major role in the expression of the summer dermatitis. Wetlands, sparsely ventilated and rich in insects are a particularly favourable land forseasonal skin reactions.Prefer clean, well ventilated spaces offering shade zones to reduce repeated skin stresses, especially during the warmest periods.
Daily organisationIt is also very important. Adapting outtimes, avoiding the most intense insect activity (often at dawn and at the end of the day) can help improve horse comfort.
Finally,setting up a stable and reassuring routineacts as a real global support to relieve the horse's summer dermit. Care done at regular times, gentle and familiar gestures participate inlimit stress, a factor that tends to amplify skin sensitivities.
Relieving the summer dermit: the importance of external care
When the summer dermatitis settles, the horse's skin becomes particularly vulnerable to external aggression. External care is therefore an essential pillar formaintain skin integrity, limit discomfort associated with repeated friction and accompany the skin throughout the summer season.
Clean and soothe skin without tearing
The first step is tomaintain clean and healthy skin, especially in areas regularly requested such as mane, tail base or withers. Gentle cleaning removes impurities, sweat residue and environmental elements that may increase your horse's skin reactivity.
For example, you canntegrate a shampoo formulated for sensitive skin, based on ingredients recognized for their sanitizing and soothing action in the routine of your horse. At ESC Laboratory,shampoo enriched with essential oilcade has been designed for regular use as it does not attack the epidermis. It accompanies the skin during periods of high stress and helps to calm the discomfort associated with itching.
Support fragile skin and promote its regeneration
When the skin has already been tested by repeated friction, it is essential toto accompany in its recovery phase. The targeted application of adapted gels or creams helps to nourish the epidermis, preserve its flexibility and support its natural renewal.
Formulas combining aloe vera, vegetable oils and plant extracts, such asBacticade geldeveloped by ESC, offer a comprehensive approach. They help relieve the summer dermatitissanitizing the skin surfacewhile providing comfort and hydration. In more sensitized or marked areas, a restorative cream can also fit into the routine to support the weakened skin.
Limit summer attacks and keep insects away
The best way to preserve the skin remains toreduce repeated stresses, especially those related to insects. External care is part of a comprehensive approach to protection. Regular use of a natural repellent, such asFly Neutralhelps neutralize attractive odours for insects through synergy of essential oils known for their olfactory efficiency.
To strengthen this protection,physical equipment also plays a key role: summer blankets, insect masks and adapted shelters allow to limit direct exposure. Impregnate an insect shirt with a repellent lotion can effectively complement this strategy, especially during the most sensitive periods.
Supporting the internal balance of the horse: acting from inside facing the summer dermit
The summer dermatitis does not only occur on the skin surface. The general state of the organism, the quality of feeding and the ability of the horse to manage seasonal aggression play a key role in its comfort in summer. In addition to external care, a targeted internal approach improvesthe comfort of horses subject to summer dermatitis.
An adapted diet to support skin and vitality
A well fed horseis often better equipped to cope with seasonal skin sensitivities. The basis remains simple: permanent access to quality fodder, adequate hydration and a balanced ration, adapted to your lifestyle and needs.
The balance between omega 3 and omega 6 also plays an important role in skin quality and management of skin reactions.Flax oil, naturally rich in omega 3, is an interesting source to integrate into the ration of horses subject to seasonal skin sensitivities.
Plants and natural supplements: targeted summer support
Some plants are recognized foraccompany horses with skin sensitivities. The Bardane(Arctium lappa) is traditionally used to support skin balance and accompany liver work. It is particularly relevant in horses with sensitive skin, especially in the form of powder integrated into the ration.The gaillet scratcher(Galium aparine) is a true ally of the lymphatic system of the horse. It is a soft plant, well tolerated by sensitive horses. It supports lymphatic functions and pathways of elimination in a progressive manner, making it a natural ally during periods of seasonal overload.
To go further, ESC Laboratory formulatedEquidermix, a specific mixture combining several selected plants, sea algae naturally rich in trace elements, and beer yeast, a natural source ofbiotin. This synergy is part of a comprehensive approach to skin and body support, in addition to external care.
FAQ – Relieving the summer dermit in the horse
What triggers the summer dermit in the horse?
Summer dermatitis is most often related to hypersensitivity to insect bites, including flies present in spring and summer. The environment, the terrain of the horse and its general balance strongly influence the intensity of the reactions. Not all exposed horses develop the same manifestations.
Is the summer dermatitis contagious?
No, summer dermatitis is neither contagious nor transmissible from one horse to another. It corresponds to an individual skin reaction to external aggression. An affected horse can therefore live with congeners without risk to them.
Can we really relieve the summer dermatitis without medication?
Yes, a comprehensive approach often improves the horse's comfort. Appropriate external care, insect protection to limit bites, a healthy and suitable environment and targeted internal support are generally sufficient. This natural approach helps to relieve the skin and strengthen the horse's body without systematically resorting to drug solutions.
Should we protect the horse all day from insects?
Ideally, protection should be enhanced during periods of high insect activity, especially at the end of the day and at daybreak. The use of suitable blankets, masks and repellents can be combined to limit skin stresses. The objective is to reduce friction before they settle.
Does the summer dermatitis disappear with time?
Summer dermatitis is a recurrent condition: when a horse is sensitive, the manifestations tend to reappear each year in the beautiful season. Without suitable accompaniment, this sensitivity can increase over time, hence the interest of acting to preserve the horse's comfort.
When to ask a veterinarian for a summer dermatitis?
A veterinary opinion is recommended if friction becomes very intense, if there are significant lesions or if the situation worsens despite the adjustments put in place. Veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to calm itching and antihistamines to reduce the allergic reaction.
Summer dermatitis is a recurrent condition that requires regular attention and a long-term approach, not just when the first signs appear. By combiningappropriate external care, by setting up your horse's daily life and supporting its body with natural plants, you can greatly improve its comfort during the summer, year after year. To accompany daily, discovernatural supplements and cared的ESC Laboratory, formulated to support the skin and general balance of your horse throughout the summer season.
