Sweet Itch Management: How To Manage Sweet Itch In Horses

What Is Sweet Itch In Horses And How Can Horse Skin Supplements Help?

An increase in biting insects this time of year, along with other environmental factors that act as irritants to horses, they often need additional support for their coat and skin such as a horse skin supplement. According to World Horse Welfare, sweet itch in horses is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in the UK, affecting around 5% of the equine population. Sweet itch in horses is an allergic reaction to the protein in the saliva contained in bites from mosquitoes and midges and can affect any horse or pony, although it has been found to be more prevalent in some native breeds.

Generally, at its worst between March and November, sweet itch in horses often shows itself in the form of more intense itching, consistent tail swishing, excessive rolling and can result in hair loss, inflamed skin which can become crusty and sore and can as a result become infected. It is likely that a horse with sweet itch will show a change in behaviour as well, often becoming restless, lacking concentration, shaking their head, or in some cases appear lethargic. Sweet itch in horses is a hereditary condition, presenting typically in a horse's second or third summer and subsequently worsening with age. There is unfortunately no cure and treatment aimed at preventing or reducing exposure of the horse to the biting midge and reducing the reaction but there are horse skin supplements on the market that may help.

How can sweet itch in horses be managed?

The main aim for managing sweet itch in horses is to increase the threshold at which the condition negatively affects the horse. For example, how tolerant a horse’s immune system is to the proteins within the midge’s saliva will determine how severe an allergic reaction is and ultimately how bad secondary issues are such as infections from broken skin.

There are several stable management changes according to the British Horse Society that can be made to help your horse with sweet itch, such as using a sweet itch rug, and changing turnout routines. Midges thrive in warm, moist conditions and require a source of water for their egg, larval and pupa developmental life stages. As a result, avoid turning horses out in hot, humid conditions, especially near water as this is where the midges thrive. It is also important to poo-pick regularly and keep the muck heap a good distance from grazing and stabling areas. Windy locations are good for turnout because the midges are poor fliers.

Supporting Skin & Coat Health Naturally

Managing sweet itch in horses from the inside out can be an effective way to help maintain skin health and soothe irritation. Natural herbs and botanicals are known to provide key benefits that support overall coat condition and comfort.

Look for products rich in antioxidants that may help maintain healthy skin, supporting horses with dry, itchy, and irritated areas. Antioxidants play a key role in maintaining skin health by helping to manage the body’s natural responses to environmental stressors. Additionally, essential oils contain terpenoids that may support the skin’s natural barrier function. When the body responds to irritants, sebum is secreted from glands at the base of the hair follicle, forming a protective layer that helps maintain skin integrity.

By incorporating natural herbs into a horse’s diet, owners can take a holistic approach to supporting skin and coat health.