Mysterious Rash

My senior gelding, Bill, has a itchy bald spot under his belly. It starts from between his front legs running straight back the length of his belly approx. 1" to 2" wide. It flares up in spring and he has it til winter. In winter the hair grows back. Bill also scrathces his face open. His face & belly seem to be the only areas affected.
These last two years I have tried a number of products, each with out any resolve. Betadine, listerine, Equi tek, Cortaid, anti bacterial soap. Another product I forget the name...brown liquid spray with pepper???
Product for girth itch, calm coat spray.
Can you make a suggestion to help my boy?

Thank you,

Lisa

Ask your vet about prednisone. I had a older appy that had the same thing. It was just allergies.

Hello Fosters Mom,

You may want to do a little reading regarding "fly-bite hypersensitivity" in horses. It is an allergy associated with culicoides species. Some species affect the face, while others affect the underside, or even the topline of the horse. There are a few management things you can do to help like turning ouyt to pasture later in the morning, and bringing in from pasture before dusk. Permethrin based fly repellants last the longest and have the best repellancy. Apply in the morning, and before dusk can help reduce the number of insects affecting your horse. You should discuss it with your veterinarian as there are medications we can use to help reduce the response.