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Skin allergies are one of the most common dermatological problems in horses and can significantly compromise the animal’s comfort, sporting performance and quality of life. Intense itching, constant rubbing, hair loss, redness and skin lesions are common symptoms which, if left untreated, can lead to secondary infections and slow down the recovery of the skin barrier.
The main predisposing factors
The onset of allergies is often the result of an interaction between individual predisposition and environmental factors. Among the most common causes are:
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hypersensitivity to insect bites, particularly from Culicoides midges, which are responsible for so-called recurrent summer dermatitis.
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Environmental allergens, such as pollen, mould, dust mites and other particles found in hay or bedding.
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Unfavourable environmental conditions, such as high humidity, poor stall hygiene and the presence of external parasites, which can exacerbate skin problems.
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Stress and alterations to the immune system, factors which can influence the body’s response to allergens.
Proper environmental management, stable management, control of ectoparasites and a balanced diet are the key tools for tackling these issues.
Insect Control
In the case of insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), caused primarily by midges of the genus Culicoides, it is essential to minimise contact with the insects as much as possible. The main strategies include: keeping the horse indoors during the times of peak Culicoides activity (dawn and dusk), using fly-proof rugs and specific protective masks, installing insect screens and fans in the stables (as Culicoides are poor flyers), eliminating standing water and damp areas that encourage the proliferation of insects, and using authorised repellents, including natural ones such as IDEAL REP, which is based on essential oils.
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Care of the stabling environment
The environment in which a horse lives can significantly affect the health of its skin. It is therefore advisable to keep stables well-ventilated and clean, to replace bedding regularly to minimise damp, mould and dust build-up, to use good-quality hay that is free from mould and contamination, and to reduce dust by choosing, where necessary, low-particulate bedding and steamed or wet hay.
Skin and coat hygiene
Proper grooming helps to remove dust, sweat, scabs and organic residues that can aggravate skin irritation. Daily brushing also helps to detect any lesions or skin changes at an early stage. Mild shampoos or specific formulations can be used to help maintain the balance of the skin barrier, whilst avoiding harsh cleansers that could increase skin dryness. Zinc oxide-based creams such as DERMA NEW may also be used. The main function of zinc oxide is to protect the skin from external agents such as germs and dirt. Furthermore, one of the properties of zinc oxide is its soothing effect on skin redness. Finally, this compound helps to improve the hydration of dry and irritated skin by restoring the lipid barrier. Derma New also contains lavender essential oil, which has antiseptic and healing properties.
Stress reduction
Chronic stress can affect the immune response and contribute to the worsening of certain dermatological conditions. Management that respects the horse’s welfare should include: regular feeding times in line with the established routine, adequate time for exercise in the paddock where possible, and social contact with other compatible horses, without conflicts that might lead to the establishment of hierarchies. Training programmes must be tailored to the animal’s physical condition, and environmental stressors must be minimised.
Continuous Monitoring
Horses that have previously experienced episodes of skin problems during the summer require constant monitoring, particularly at times of the year when symptoms tend to recur. Early recognition of the first signs – such as itching, rubbing of the mane or tail, small papules or redness – allows for prompt intervention, limiting the progression of lesions and improving the animal’s comfort.
An integrated approach for lasting results
There is no single solution when it comes to managing skin sensitivities. The best results are achieved through an integrated approach that combines allergen control, proper environmental management, maintaining good nutritional status, protecting the skin barrier and veterinary monitoring. Addressing these aspects simultaneously and promptly at the start of the insect season helps to reduce the factors that can trigger or exacerbate skin conditions, thereby contributing to the horse’s overall wellbeing.
The role of nutrition in maintaining skin health
Alongside environmental strategies and topical solutions, nutrition can also contribute to maintaining the skin’s physiological health.
In particular, certain complementary feeds such as HORSE ALLERGY FLUID contain plant-based ingredients and microalgae selected to support the body’s natural defences and help maintain skin integrity.
Among these is Ribes nigrum, which is naturally rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamin C. These compounds are valued for their antioxidant activity and for their role in maintaining the body’s normal physiological response to environmental stimuli. In everyday language, blackcurrant is often described as an ‘anti-allergy’ plant. In reality, from a scientific point of view, it is more accurate to state that some of its bioactive constituents have been studied for their ability to modulate certain mechanisms involved in the inflammatory and immune responses, without this implying a direct therapeutic effect against allergies. In particular, the scientific literature attributes to the anthocyanins and flavonoids in blackcurrants the ability to influence the production of certain cytokines and mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in the physiology of the inflammatory response. In horses prone to skin sensitivity, the aim of supplementation is to support the normal physiological functions of the skin and the body.
In this context, blackcurrant is an ingredient of particular interest because it can help support the body’s natural defences against oxidative stress, help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, and form part of a formulation designed to promote skin wellbeing when combined with other functional ingredients. Combining it with substances such as echinacea, spirulina and yucca enables a multi-factorial nutritional approach aimed at supporting normal immune functions and maintaining skin health, particularly at times of the year when horses are most exposed to environmental factors that can trigger skin irritation or sensitivity.
Echinacea angustifolia is a plant traditionally used for its role in supporting the body’s natural immune defences. When included in a nutritional formulation, it can help maintain the body’s physiological balance during periods of heightened environmental stress.
Spirulina is a microalgae characterised by a high content of high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidant pigments such as phycocyanin. Thanks to its nutritional profile, it provides valuable support for the animal’s overall metabolism and helps maintain its vitality.
Yucca schidigera contains saponins and other natural compounds used in animal feed. It is valued for its contribution to the body’s general wellbeing and is frequently included in formulations for horses to promote the animal’s comfort.
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The use of complementary feeds such as HORSE ALLERGY FLUID can form part of this integrated approach, helping to maintain the skin’s physiological wellbeing and the body’s normal functions. It should be added to the diet in spring when the first insects appear and continued until the end of the summer season.
Skin health is the result of many factors: genetics, environment, diet and daily care. Recognising the signs of skin discomfort early on and taking a comprehensive approach helps to improve the horse’s wellbeing and minimise the impact of skin conditions.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Local investigation into the role of Culicoides species diversity (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in recurrent horse dermatitis cases in southwest France. Jorian Prudhomme, 2025
- Understanding Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in Horses: A Narrative Review for Clinical Practice. AN Mureșan, 2025
- Equine allergic skin diseases: Clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. R Marsella, 2023
- Activity evaluation on Ribes species, traditionally used to speed up healing of wounds: With special focus on Ribes nigrum. G Kendir, - Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2019
- Equine insect bite hypersensitivity: what do we know? A Schaffartzik 2012
- Studies on phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic and antiproliferative activities of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia extracts. Aarland RC, Bañuelos-Hernández AE, 2017
- Skin wound healing and phytomedicine: a review. Pazyar N, 2014
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