Supporting summer skin: light therapy to the rescue!

17 Jul

Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and lush grass, but can also be the catalyst for a myriad of skin woes for our horses.

Common summer skin irritants:

Sweet Itch: This allergic reaction to midge bites causes intense itching, leading to rubbing and potential secondary infections.
Sunburn: Lighter-colored horses, especially those with pink skin, are more susceptible to sunburn. Itching, redness, and flaking skin are telltale signs.
Dermatitis (Scratches): Warm, humid weather and constant moisture create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. This often appears on the legs as scabby patches.
Rain Rot (rain scald): Similar to scratches, rain rot thrives in damp conditions, causing crusty lesions and hair loss.

How can red light therapy help?

Red, infrared, and blue light therapy are emerging tools in equine dermatology.

Each wavelength offers unique benefits:

Red Light (630-660nm): Promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation, all crucial for healing wounds and calming irritated skin.
Infrared Light (700-1000nm): Penetrates deep into tissues, increasing blood flow and enhancing cellular activity. This accelerates healing and reduces pain.
Blue Light (400-470nm): Possesses antibacterial properties, making it ideal for treating skin infections caused by bacteria

How light therapy works:

Light therapy devices deliver specific wavelengths directly to the affected area. The light is absorbed by the cells, triggering a cascade of beneficial effects. Red light stimulates the mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses, to produce more energy, which fuels healing. Infrared light increases blood flow, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. Blue light disrupts the bacterial cell wall, hindering their growth and promoting a clean healing environment.

Benefits of light therapy for horses:

Faster Healing: Studies have shown significant reduction in healing time for wounds and skin lesions.
Reduced Inflammation: Red light's anti-inflammatory properties can minimize discomfort and itching associated with summer skin conditions.
Improved Tissue Repair: Light therapy promotes collagen production, a key protein for healthy skin.
Pain Relief: Infrared light's ability to increase circulation can offer pain relief, making the horse more comfortable.
Safe and Non-invasive: Light therapy is a painless and drug-free approach to skin care, making it suitable for all horses.

Talk to your vet:

Your vet is always your first port of call if you notice changes to your horse's skin, whether that be sunburn, insect bites or wounds.

They can diagnose the underlying cause of the skin condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which might include light therapy alongside other modalities.