Das Sommerekzem - Was tun, wenn es im Sommer juckt?

Sweet itch - What to do if it itches in summer?

Sweet itch in horses – causes, care & effective help

When horses increasingly rub themselves in the summer, scratch themselves until they bleed, and pace restlessly along the fence trying to relieve the itching, sweet itch is a likely suspicion. Icelandic horses, Friesians, Haflingers, and Tinkers are particularly affected – but warmbloods and ponies are also affected.

What exactly is behind sweet itch, how do you recognize it – and what really helps?

What is sweet itch anyway?

Sweet itch is an allergic skin reaction, usually triggered by the saliva of certain insects such as black flies. These tiny pests are particularly active during the warmer months—at dusk, near stagnant water, or in humid weather.

The body’s defense reaction is shown by:

• severe itching (horse rubs mane, dock, sometimes belly and chest),
• Scaling, crusts and weeping eczema ,
• hairless, thickened skin areas due to constant rubbing.

If left untreated, the skin condition can deteriorate dramatically, leading to secondary infections, sometimes open wounds, and considerable stress for the horse.

What causes sweet itch?

In addition to genetic predisposition (e.g. (e.g., in imported horses such as Icelandic horses ) , housing conditions, metabolism, and coat care also play a role. Factors such as:

• inadequate skin care,
• Obesity,
• incorrect feeding,
• little exercise and metabolic sluggishness

can worsen or promote eczema. An appropriate care and management strategy is therefore essential.

What to do about sweet itch?

Care for affected skin areas should be gentle but consistent. The goal is to cleanse the skin, relieve itching, promote regeneration, and keep insects away.

Here are our product recommendations for an effective skincare routine:

1. Gentle cleansing: Vital Shampoo Care&Condition

The equiXTREME Vital Shampoo Care&Condition is ideal for gently cleansing irritated skin. It removes crusts, sweat, and dirt from the affected areas – without further irritating the skin.
 ➡ Tip: Lather up with a soft sponge and apply in a targeted manner – ideal for sensitive areas.

2. Care & Regeneration: Skin Care Balm

The equiXTREME Skin Care Balm is a moisturizing treatment for irritated, chapped, or weeping skin. It supports the skin barrier, has a soothing effect, and promotes faster regeneration.

3. Daily protective care: XM-Oil

The multifunctional XM-Oil deeply nourishes and protects simultaneously. It's especially suitable for chafed manes or tails – it absorbs quickly, is non-greasy, and provides lasting soothing.

4. Insect repellent: Summer Joy Spray

Prevention is key! Summer Joy Spray keeps black flies and other insects away, thus minimizing the triggers of eczema. The skin-friendly formula is also suitable for sensitive horses.

The key: Consequence & Prevention

Effective eczema management begins long before the first symptoms appear —ideally in early spring, before the insects become active. Skin care should also continue during the aftercare period after the summer season to prevent relapses.

In addition to proper care, an adapted environment also helps:

• insect-free shelters,
• Fly sheets with neck part ,
• regular cleaning of eczema blankets ,
• adapted feeding to support skin function.

Conclusion: Sweet itch requires patience and system

Sweet itch is no small matter – but with the right knowledge, targeted care and management tailored to your horse, you can significantly alleviate the symptoms and sustainably improve your horse's well-being.

➡ Good to know: Many of the products mentioned are also part of the equiXTREME stable pharmacy – the ideal basic equipment for skin problems such as mud fever, sweet itch, etc.

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