Summer itch is a common skin condition in horses that causes severe itching and discomfort. It occurs mainly during the warmer months and is triggered by an allergic reaction to the saliva of tiny biting midges (Culicoides). However, eczema can also develop from other insect bites or allergies.
For your horse, it can cause a lot of stress and pain, and without proper management often leads to rubbing, wounds, and scarring. In this article, we explain how to recognize eczema in your horse, what you can do about it, and how to support your horse naturally.
How to Recognize Summer Itch in Your Horse
Eczema often starts subtly but can worsen quickly. Common signs include:
Severe itching and rubbing, especially at the mane, tail base, belly, or ears
Bald patches or broken hairs
Crusts, wounds, and thickened skin
Restlessness or stress due to constant itching
In severe cases, your horse may scratch itself until it bleeds, increasing the risk of infections and scarring.
How Does Summer Itch Develop?
Summer itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of midges (Culicoides), small biting insects that are especially active at dusk. Sensitive horses react strongly, causing skin inflammation and intense itching.
Other forms of eczema can be triggered by:
Allergies to insect bites
Hypersensitivity to pollen or dust
Irritation from sweat, dust, or poor hygiene
A weakened skin barrier
Why Treatment Is Important
Summer itch does not go away on its own. Without proper care, the itching persists, the skin becomes chronically thicker, and permanent scars may form. This not only reduces your horse’s wellbeing but also makes the problem worse each year.
How to Treat Summer Itch in Horses
Alongside veterinary advice, there are several practical steps and treatments to consider:
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Protection Against Insects
Use a well-fitting fly or eczema rug with neck and belly coverage to keep midges away. Stable your horse during peak activity times such as dusk and avoid wet pastures or marshy areas where midges thrive. -
Skin Care
Keep the skin clean and supple with mild, non-irritating shampoos. Avoid harsh products that dry out the skin. For wounds, careful wound care is important to prevent infection. -
Management Adjustments
Ensure a clean, dust-free stable with good ventilation. Pay attention to sweat management, especially in warm weather, and adjust training to reduce overheating and irritation. -
Medication (in consultation with a veterinarian)
For severe symptoms, a veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory ointments or injections (such as corticosteroids) to suppress the allergic reaction and reduce itching. This helps bring the acute stage under control and prevents further damage. -
Internal Support with Nano CellCare Therapy
In addition to local care and management, you can also help the skin heal from within. In Nano CellCare therapy, active substances such as hyaluronic acid and minerals from Dead Sea salt are nebulized into ultra-small nanoparticles. These are absorbed through the skin or inhaled and support:
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Hydration and elasticity of the skin
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Reduction of inflammatory reactions
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Growth of healthy skin cells and connective tissue
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Removal of waste products and restoration of balance
The treatment is completely painless and natural, and can help make the skin supple and healthy again without heavy medication.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time varies per horse and depends on the severity of the condition. With early treatment and good management, you can often see improvement within a few weeks. For horses with persistent or recurring eczema, long-term management is essential to keep symptoms under control.
When Should You Seek Help?
Do you suspect your horse has summer itch? Don’t wait too long. The sooner you begin treatment and management adjustments, the better you can prevent worsening. Consult your veterinarian or therapist for a tailored plan.
Would you like to know if your horse could benefit from internal support with Nano CellCare therapy? Find out here.
