Equine Dermatitis

What is summer dermatitis in horses ?

Summer dermatitis in horses is a condition caused by insect bites, mainly culicoid midges, in horses, ponies, and donkeys with a genetic hypersensitivity. This dermatological condition leads to intense itching, causing horses to scratch primarily around the mane and tail, often resulting in skin lesions, hair loss, and general discomfort.

To address these issues, Arbalou Soins offers a complete range of products aimed at treating and preventing the symptoms of summer dermatitis. Among these natural solutions, Arbalou Dermacalm and Arbalou Herbal Dermato are our flagship plant-based products with anti-itch properties. They are designed to provide daily relief for horses suffering from itching by soothing skin irritation and reducing inflammation.

Preventing insect bites is essential to limiting outbreaks of summer dermatitis. For this purpose, Arbalou Repellent Spray is a valuable ally. This insect-repellent spray for horses, formulated with essential oils, helps repel insects and reduce the risk of bites. Additionally, Arbalou Herbal Spray, also plant-based, is specifically designed to soothe skin irritation, providing comfort and relief to horses suffering from dermatitis.

In cases of scabs and skin lesions, Arbalou Derm is the ideal healing and soothing cream. It promotes rapid wound healing while calming irritated areas.

To complement these treatments, Arbalou Dermacalm shampoo is recommended. This shampoo is formulated to soothe and nourish the skin, helping to maintain the horse’s skin barrier.

Keeping the environment clean and healthy is crucial to preventing infections and reducing stress in horses. Arbalou Bact is an effective disinfectant for stables, boxes, shelters, and transport vehicles, ensuring a germ-free and safer environment for your animals. Made in France, this product guarantees optimal hygiene.

For horses that have lost their mane and tail due to summer dermatitis, Arbalou Biotin + is a highly concentrated biotin supplement, containing 5,000 mg/kg—the highest level in Europe. This supplement supports the regrowth of hair and mane.

Other products, such as horse garlic and aloe vera gel, further complement this range by providing additional benefits for overall equine health.

All these products are formulated to support horses in their daily well-being, offering comprehensive care for summer dermatitis.

To learn more about summer dermatitis and discover additional practical advice, visit our dedicated blog article.

Arbalou Soins is committed to providing natural and effective solutions for equine well-being, with high-quality French manufacturing.

What are the symptoms of summer dermatitis in horses ?

The areas affected by summer dermatitis correspond to parts of the horse’s coat where the skin is thinner and therefore more easily bitten by insects. The most commonly affected areas include the neck, head, ears, mane, abdomen, and base of the tail.

When affected by dermatitis, horses experience sometimes severe itching that leads them to rub, scratch, or even bite themselves, causing lesions and pruritic wounds that may bleed. The hair in these areas often becomes brittle and tousled.

A horse suffering from summer dermatitis may become more restless and nervous, making handling and work more difficult. In some cases, the stress caused by constant itching and discomfort can lead to a loss of appetite and weight loss.

The persistent nature of itching can also affect the horse’s behavior, making it more irritable or aggressive.

In severe cases or if the condition is left untreated, wounds and lesions may become infected, further complicating the horse’s health.

Can summer dermatitis in horses be treated and managed ?

When early signs of equine dermatitis are observed, it is advisable to apply a soothing antiseptic or calming lotion to reduce itching, such as Arbalou Herbal Spray.

Adding targeted dietary supplements to the horse’s daily feed can also help improve comfort and support skin health. Equine phytotherapy can be beneficial by using plants with soothing, detoxifying, and immune-supporting properties that help reduce irritation and enhance the body’s natural response.

How to prevent summer dermatitis in horses ?

There are several effective ways to improve your horse’s comfort and reduce the risk of summer dermatitis, especially if it is sensitive to insect bites:

• Whenever possible, protect the horse from insects during the summer. From March to October, it is advisable to bring the horse into a sheltered area in the evening, when insects are most active. Avoid grazing near stagnant water or humid areas where insects thrive.

• Treat the environment with an insecticide suitable for stables and shelters. Products such as Arbalou Bact can help maintain a clean and insect-free space. Also remove objects the horse could rub against, as these may worsen lesions.

• Use insect-repellent solutions on the horse itself. Essential oil-based repellents such as Arbalou Repellent Horse can help reduce insect exposure. Protective equipment like anti-insect masks and summer blankets also provides additional protection against bites.

How can dietary supplements help with seasonal allergies ?

A balanced diet combined with phytotherapy can help manage allergic reactions in horses. Certain plants and natural ingredients possess soothing, detoxifying, and immune-supporting properties that strengthen the horse’s ability to cope with allergies.

Dietary supplements are most effective when introduced before symptoms appear. If your horse is prone to allergies, it is recommended to use supplements such as Arbalou Herbal Dermato or Arbalou Dermacalm from spring through autumn to help prevent dermatitis outbreaks.

By combining supplementation with preventive measures, you enhance your horse’s ability to resist insect-related irritation.

With a blend of natural ingredients such as garlic, burdock, brewer’s yeast, nettle, wild pansy, and omega fatty acids, Arbalou Soins offers supplements specifically designed to support horses affected by summer dermatitis. Using these products alongside repellents like Arbalou Repellent and soothing treatments such as Arbalou Derm or Arbalou Herbal Spray can significantly improve equine comfort and skin health.