Sweet itch, also known as summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis (SSRD), is a frustrating and uncomfortable condition caused by an allergic reaction to midge bites (Culicoides spp.). It can make life miserable for affected horses, leading to relentless itching, skin damage, and secondary infections. Understanding how to prevent, manage, and treat sweet itch is essential to keeping your horse comfortable throughout the warmer months.
What Causes Sweet Itch?
Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting midges. When midges bite, they inject saliva into the skin, triggering an immune response in sensitive horses. This reaction causes severe itching, inflammation, and hair loss.
When and Where is Sweet Itch Most Common?
Seasonal – Symptoms usually start in spring and peak in summer, as midges are most active in warm, humid conditions.
Location – Horses near wetlands, woodlands, and still water sources are at higher risk, as these areas are ideal breeding grounds for midges.
Time of Day – Midges are most active at dawn and dusk, making horses in turnout during these times more vulnerable.
Signs & Symptoms of Sweet Itch
Horses suffering from sweet itch will display signs of severe irritation and discomfort. The most commonly affected areas include the mane, tail, withers, and belly—areas where midges tend to bite most frequently.
Key Symptoms:
✔ Excessive Itching & Rubbing – Horses may rub their mane and tail against fences, trees, or stable walls.✔ Hair Loss & Bald Patches – Continuous rubbing can lead to patchy, damaged areas, particularly along the neck, withers, and rump.✔ Scabby, Inflamed Skin – The skin may appear sore, swollen, or crusty due to persistent irritation.✔ Thickened or Elephant-Like Skin – Over time, repeated irritation can cause the skin to thicken and become wrinkled.✔ Weeping Sores & Secondary Infections – Open wounds from excessive scratching can lead to bacterial infections.✔ Restlessness & Irritability – Horses with sweet itch often appear uncomfortable, flick their tails excessively, or exhibit behavioural changes due to irritation.
Preventing Sweet Itch
The best way to manage sweet itch is to prevent midge bites before they happen. Since there is no cure, prevention and early intervention are key to keeping symptoms under control.
1. Midge Protection & Fly Control
Use a Sweet Itch Rug – Specialised rugs with full coverage, including a belly flap and a hood, prevent midges from biting.
Stable During Peak Midge Activity – Bring horses inside during dawn and dusk to avoid exposure.
Use a Fan in Stables – Midges struggle to fly in wind, so using a stable fan can help keep them away.
Apply Fly Repellents – Use midge-repelling sprays containing permethrin, citronella, or DEET. Apply regularly for best results.
Use Fly Masks & Neck Covers – Additional barriers can help protect the most affected areas.
2. Managing the Environment
Reduce Standing Water – Remove sources of stagnant water where midges breed, such as puddles and water trough overflows.
Choose Windy, Open Fields – Midges prefer sheltered, humid areas, so turnout in breezy, open paddocks reduces risk.
Regular Manure Removal – Keep fields and stable areas clean to discourage midge breeding grounds.
3. Dietary Support for Skin Health
A strong immune system and healthy skin barrier can reduce the severity of symptoms. Consider adding:
Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in flaxseed or linseed oil, helps support healthy skin.
Vitamin E & Zinc – Aids skin repair and immune function.
Brewer’s Yeast or Garlic – Some owners report that these supplements help repel insects, although results may vary.
Treating & Managing Sweet Itch
If your horse develops sweet itch, early intervention is essential to prevent severe discomfort and skin damage.
1. Soothing the Itch
Medicated Shampoos – Use antibacterial, soothing shampoos containing aloe vera, oatmeal, or tea tree to calm inflammation.
Anti-Itch Creams – Apply soothing creams or gels to affected areas, such as calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, or hydrocortisone creams (under veterinary guidance).
Cold Hosing – Gently washing affected areas can reduce heat, swelling, and itching.
2. Controlling the Allergic Reaction
Antihistamines – In mild cases, some antihistamines may help reduce itching (speak to your vet about suitable options).
Steroids – For severe cases, veterinary-prescribed corticosteroids may be necessary to break the itch-scratch cycle.
Immunotherapy Injections – Some horses benefit from allergy desensitisation treatments, but results vary.
3. Healing Damaged Skin
Topical Barrier Creams – Zinc-based creams or lanolin can protect sore skin and encourage healing.
Antiseptic Treatments – Clean open wounds with diluted chlorhexidine or iodine solutions to prevent infection.
Veterinary Treatment for Severe Cases – If secondary infections develop, antibiotics or stronger medical treatments may be needed.
Is Sweet Itch Genetic?
Certain breeds, such as native ponies, Welsh cobs, Friesians, and Icelandic horses, seem more prone to sweet itch, suggesting a genetic predisposition. While there is no genetic test available, owners of at-risk breeds should take extra precautions.
Long-Term Outlook: Can Sweet Itch Be Cured?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for sweet itch, but with vigilant management and early intervention, many horses live comfortable, happy lives. Prevention is always better than treatment, so consistent fly control and environmental management are key to minimising flare-ups.
If your horse struggles with sweet itch, working with your vet, farrier, and nutritionist can help create a tailored management plan to keep them as itch-free as possible.
Final Thoughts
Sweet itch is one of the most frustrating conditions for both horses and owners, but proper prevention, environmental management, and early treatment can significantly improve your horse’s comfort. If you suspect your horse is developing sweet itch, act quickly to reduce exposure to midges and soothe irritation before it worsens.
With the right approach, your horse can enjoy a much happier, healthier summer—free from the misery of relentless itching!
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