Equine fly repellants to control biting midges, no see ums & flies to prevent sweet itch in horses.

Horse Sweet Itch

fly repellants to control biting midges & prevent sweet itch in horses

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What is Sweet Itch?
What Causes Sweet Itch?
Diagnosing Sweet Itch
Help for Sweet Itch
More Information on Sweet Itch

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What is Sweet Itch?

Sweet itch is essentially an allergic skin condition. It is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the bite of the Culicoides midge and also certain horse flies. Certain horses are overly sensitive to the saliva of these pests and irritation and intense itching occurs at the site of the bite. Self- inflicted damage will occur as the horse scratches himself.

Signs and symptoms of Sweet Itch

Intense skin irritation in the mane and tail regions of the horse
Irritation in the summer months
Itching and discomfort in the early morning and late afternoon
Restlessness
Intense rubbing against trees or fences
Swishing of the tail
Damage and swelling or wounds around the horses ears, poll, mane, withers, rump, and tail head (less common around the horse’s face, chest, and belly)
Hair loss over the affected area (often the mane and rump)
Bald, red, inflamed skin, that may have crusting and sores
Chronically thickened, blackened, and wrinkled skin
The bites cause a local allergic reaction with the development of papules and pustules

What Causes Sweet Itch?

The saliva of the midge is the principle culprit. Apart from Culicoides midges other fly and parasite species have been associated with similar hypersensitivity reactions including the stable fly, horsefly and the black fly, as well as no see ums. Some horses may have a genetic predisposition to the disease. Conditions related to intense itching may also include lice infestation, chorioptic mange, rain scald, ringworm, food hypersensitivity and dermatitis.

Diagnosing Sweet Itch

If you notice the signs outlined above, it is important to get a proper diagnosis of sweet itch from your vet. Your vet may decide to take a skin biopsy or carry out some intra dermal skin allergy tests to make a definitive diagnosis of sweet itch.

Help for Sweet Itch

Corticosteroids remain the most useful product for treating and controlling the skin allergy caused by midge bites and other pesky bugs such as gnats and parasites. However with all usage of corticosteroids they can increase the risk of inducing laminitis in the horse. As steroids do have side-effects in horses, they must only be prescribed by a vet – they are very potent anti-inflammatories that may stop the itching and allow the skin to heal, but may also cause side effects. Anti-histamines are used but results are not guaranteed.

Natural Remedies

There are many natural herbal and homeopathic remedies that can help to sooth angry irritated skin. Borage is a well-known herb high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This herb has been studied for its supportive effects on the skin and can help to support the production natural oils in the horse coat that naturally soothe irritation and itching.

Horsetail has also been approved as an aid to wound healing by the German Commission E expert panel, while herbs such as Dandelion, Rosemary and Kelp can help to strengthen the immune system while nourishing the skin from the inside out.

Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients, containing up to 70% protein, B-complex vitamins, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals – helping to add nutrient value to a horse’s diet.

Tagetes minuata (Khaki Bos) is an herb native to South Africa and is used by locals to discourage pests and flies – as a natural bug repellant. The added bonus of natural remedies, of course, is a stunning shine without the risk of side effects!

More Information on Sweet Itch

Tips related to Sweet Itch

Insect-proof your stables using fine-mesh screens before the start of the fly season!
Use ceiling or wall mounted fans in stables to create a breeze – flies will find it harder to land on your horse, and a fan can also stimulate cool airflow to soothe itchy skin.
Keep horses in doors one hour before and after sunrise/sunset (this is when flies are most active) and consider stabling horses at night.
Moving horses farther than half a mile from stagnant water and ponds to reduce fly exposure – as this is where flies and mosquitoes breed! Also, take steps to improve pasture drainage to prevent fly breeding and clean the water trough regularly.
Apply natural insect repellents to the mane and tail region.