Sweet Itch is also sometimes known as Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, Equine Summer Itch or Pruritus.
It affects around 3-5% of British horses and commonly occurs between the months of April to October, although it may occur in earlier or later months.
In most cases, it is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of biting midges. The allergic reaction results in an intense itching and an immune system overreaction. The immune system tries to counteract the situation and ulceration and thickening of the skin can happen.
Signs of sweet itch include:
- Mild to severe itching and rubbing
- Dandruff
- Weeping sores
- Thickening of skin
- Loss of mane and tail hair
- Areas of sore, open and broken skin
- Bald patches
- Itching along legs and under belly
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There is no specific cure for Sweet Itch but the best way to prevent it is to stop the flies and midges biting the horses. Prevention strategies include:
- Regularly applying midge repellent
- Stabling during dawn and dusk when midges are at their worst – and on humid days
- Allow the horses to graze in open, dry areas. Midges tend to like woodland and water
- Give the horse a sweet itch rug to wear
- Feed supplements that help promote healthy skin and reduce the impact of any allergic reactions
- Place insect proof mesh on stable doors and windows
Treatment can help to reduce the itching and discomfort that the allergic reaction causes. However, all horses respond differently and what works for one may not work for another.
Topical treatments can help to soothe and steroids and antihistamines may also be advised, depending on what your vet suggests. Whichever treatment is decided upon, it is vital that strategies are put in place to take away the cause of the Sweet Itch and, ideally, this should all happen before the horse starts to show symptoms.
If your horse has started to exhibit the symptoms of Sweet Itch and he’s never had it before, you should consider calling your vet to make sure that that is the issue and it’s not something else. Equally, if you find that your management style isn’t working, your horse has sores that won’t heal or the situation has deteriorated, it’s always best to contact your vet.