How can you tell sweetitch apart from other types of dermatitis?

Different types of dermatitis very often share the same symptoms. While we have listed the possible causes, it is essential to be able to identify the specific symptoms of each type in order to prescribe the appropriate topical treatment.

SUMMER DERMATITIS (sweetitch)

As its name suggests, this condition is “summer-specific.” It appears only during mild and warm seasons and disappears in the fall. It initially affects the mane and tail and may spread to the underside of the belly (white line). Horses scratch themselves and become increasingly intolerant of other insects. This creates a vicious cycle in which the itching causes enormous stress, destabilizing the horse’s overall health and gastrointestinal system; if neglected, this will lead to even lower tolerance to external irritants such as culicoides and other insects. It’s a downward spiral.

If these flare-ups occur only during certain times of the year (spring/summer/and to some extent fall if morning temperatures are above 10°), it is highly likely that this is a case of “summer” dermatitis, especially if it recurs year after year with increasing severity. Addressing the interplay between breed, diet, physical activity, and physiological condition is a long-term approach that can significantly improve symptoms or even eliminate them entirely. Topical treatment (the Derfen line) is essential to prevent the condition from spiraling out of control, especially at the first signs of itching. The horse will naturally become calmer, reducing gastric stress. Regular use of a fly repellent further enhances this reduction in stress.

HORSE MANE SCABIES

If the itching persists in winter (when temperatures are at or below 10° at dawn and the sun sets early), it is absolutely impossible for this to be summer dermatitis. Even occasional or irregular itching during the winter is not a symptom of summer dermatitis (DERE) but rather what is known as “maned mange.” And where there’s “mange,” there are “mites.” In this case, we’re talking about “storage mites.” These mites feed on the horse’s dead skin cells and flakes present in the mane and tail. All horses have them, but when the horse’s skin is severely dry, the dead skin cells are more abundant and attract larger populations of mites. This results in intense itching localized to the mane and tail, which strongly resembles summer dermatitis. The treatment is, in fact, identical to that for summer dermatitis, but dietary management and the elimination of grains such as barley or alfalfa will yield fairly rapid results. Internal hydration will also be beneficial—though water alone is not the solution—and fatty acids such as omega fatty acids, in the right balance, can help address the deficiency.

Of course, when race and diet are taken into account, the results will be more conclusive. From a topical perspective, the Derfen line (broad-spectrum) is of considerable help to the individual, preventing—just as with DERE—a vicious cycle and an increase in gastrointestinal stress.

CHORIOPTIC SCABIES

However, other mites can also infest the limbs. The reason is the same: an abundance of dander. These populations are slightly different and are known as chorioptes. They are more prevalent during humid periods. When chorioptic mange occurs in the spring, it is often mistaken for summer dermatitis, in which insects are thought to have “attacked” the limbs. If it appears in the winter, it is mistaken for mud mange. Chorioptes mites create long furrows, stripping the hair from the skin in patches, from the hock up to the top of the thigh, sometimes extending to the belly and chest. This results in scabs and bacterial infections. Here again, diet and breed are the primary factors to consider. The use of a specific lotion such as Derfongen provides significant relief.

ITCHING ON THE HEAD IN THE SUMMER

Sometimes horses experience itching on certain parts of their bodies, such as the head. Culicoides midges are not particularly fond of this area, as it is too exposed to the sun and too mobile. It is highly likely that DERE can be ruled out. However, atopic dermatitis, or simply the animal’s acidic sweat, may be more likely causes, as they can “burn the skin.” In the case of acidic sweating, simply washing the horse regularly with clean water can provide relief. The diet should also be adjusted to prevent this excessive, imbalanced sweating. Furthermore, these horses often exhibit the same symptoms on the top of the head, along the neck, around the mane, and in the groin area.

In cases of atopic dermatitis, breed and diet analysis is once again central to management, along with the Derfen line and shampoo for temporary topical relief.

LOCALIZED DERMATITIS THAT IS NOT ATOPIC

Unexpected itching can also occur during mild seasons on any part of the body, particularly in skin folds or shaded areas. These lesions are very localized and feature crusted skin, sometimes with yellow pus. The epidermis is eroded in small areas, and the horse may scratch. These itchy patches do not last long (no more than a week) but can become infected. Again, there is little risk that this is summer dermatitis, but ticks may be the real culprit. Washing with tea tree shampoo to cleanse and soothe the area is recommended. Using a protective product like Natjely afterward is very helpful.