Equine Itch Relief

Deriving from the Greek language, "dermatitis" literally means "inflammation of the skin." Used on its own, dermatitis is a generic term that can refer to any number of conditions, including rashes, swelling or blisters. Dermatitis is almost always accompanied by itching. As with humans, dermatitis is a condition that may affect horses.

  1. Types

    • Equine dermatitis can be divided into a number of categories, depending on the cause. Types include: summer dermatitis, or sweet itch; pastern dermatitis; granulomatous dermatitis; vesicular dermatitis; fungal dermatitis; irritant contact dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; pruritic dermatitis; and pemphigus dermatitis.

    Causes

    • Depending on the type of dermatitis your horse is experiencing, the cause may be any number of factors, ranging from minor to more severe. An improper diet, an unsanitary environment, too much bathing, spraying your horse too often with fly spray or leaving horse sheets or blankets on your animal for several days can all cause itchy skin. Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, fabric or insects, including flies, mites or midges, may also cause itchy skin, as do lice, ringworm, pinworm and mange.

    Symptoms

    • If your horse is experiencing excessively itchy skin, chances are that it has a case of dermatitis. Depending on the cause of the dermatitis, accompanying symptoms may vary. Dermatitis symptoms include scratching, rubbing, chewing of the skin, hives, papules, scales, crust, blisters, nodules, eczema, thickening of the skin and loss of hair or loss of luster in the hair.

    Response

    • Your first response if you suspect your horse of having dermatitis is to contact your local veterinarian. Depending on the cause and severity of the case, your veterinarian may need to perform tests on your horse's skin. Tests include a skin biopsy or a culture test. Medication, such as cortisone, may be prescribed.

      For your part, a number of preventative measures may be taken to help either prevent or cure itchy skin, to include having your horse follow a healthy diet; keeping the horse's environment clean; giving the horse fewer baths; refraining from overspraying your horse with fly spray; and not leaving horse blankets on your horse for days at a time. Sheltering your horse from insects by placing him in a stable during certain periods of the day also helps.