Managing sweet itch the Hedgewitch way
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Time to read 4 min
Our strategy for managing sweet itch
What's the best product for sweet itch? It's a question I'm asked all the time and if only it were that simple! To get to grips with sweet itch means developing a strategy that starts with protection from midge bites and ways to break the itch-scratch cycle.
What is sweet itch?
Sweet itch is also known as insect bite hypersensitivity and is an allergic reaction caused by the saliva of midges (Culicoides) and black flies (Sitonia) that is injected when they bite.
Around 5% of horses in the UK suffer from sweet itch, with some breeds being more susceptible to developing the condition than others. Top of the list are Icelandic horses, with Fells, Welsh, Connemaras, and Shires also more likely to develop symptoms.
Horse with sweet itch can be unbearably itchy, rubbing themselves vith vigour to try and alleviate the itching. This causes skin damage which makes the skin even more uncomfortable and itchy, known as the itch-scratch cycle.
Once this cycle is established, it can be very hard to break.
Protecting from midge bites
Special rugs have been developed that don't allow tiny midges to get to the horse's skin. These provide protection to the areas that they cover. Although these can be hot for horses to wear during summer, often the protection they offer is the overriding consideration.
Horses can be stabled during periods of high temperatures, and some may be clipped to help them keep cool - though this can make it easier for midges to bite, so it's a very careful balancing act.
Image from iStock
What about insect repellents?
Insect repellents differ in their ability to prevent midges from biting, so it's important to find out how a brand has performed in the efficacy trials it is required to conduct to become authorised for use on horses. As well as how well it works, find out how long you can expect a product to work for, bearing in mind that some horses are inherently more attractive to bugs and repellents probably won't work as well on these individuals (just like humans).
Midges are most active around dawn and dusk so this is another factor to bear in mind Will your repellent have run out of steam before you can reapply?
Image from iStock
4. How can I use natural oils?
Some plant oils can provide added protection against midges and aid sweet itch management. Hedgewitch horse oil with sweet orange & peppermint provides a physical barrier and contains essential oils with some natural repellent properties .
Behaviorial scientists observing the behaviour of primates, noticed that they'd pick oranges and crush them, rubbing the peel over their skin to keep insects away. Horses also self-medicate using sweet orange, particularly when they feel itchy or have inflamed skin. Peppermint essential oil is also able to rapidly kill the itch, complementing sweet orange perfectly. And used together, sweet orange & peppermint really is the ultimate combination of essential oils for sweet itch horses.
Oil-based topicals should, however, be used with caution under high UV levels. It's absolutely fine to on the tummy, sheath & udder areas, and the inside of the hind legs where hair is sparse.
Breaking the itch-scratch cycle
We've developed magic gels to break the itch-scratch cycle which is fundamantal to keeping sweet itch under control.
Itchy gel can be used in much the same way as old-fashioned remedies containing benzyl benzoate. Its combination of pharmaceutical-grade neem oil and sweet orange & peppermint essential oils acts as both a barrier and a deterrent while also soothing any itching. What's more, its non-greasy aloe vera formulation means you don't get a buildup of irritating greasy residues.
If the itch-scratch cycle is more firmly established, Soothe & Repair gel is the best option. It contains german chamomile which is a natural antihistamine and works to quickly calm the skin. Once under control again, Itchy Gel is the more economical option.
If skin is broken, Calendula & Yarrow is the only gel you should use.
Image from Rene Bradley - Hedgewitch customer
Formulated with the help of horses, using oils they often self-select
Two year old TB filly letting us know that she wants Itchy Gel to be applied and showing us where exactly to put it!
Keep clean using mild, plant-based cleansers
Sweet itch horses have skin that's sensitive and can be easily irritated. Triggers, such as a buildup of dirt and grease, should be avoided in horses suffering from sweet itch because they will only make symptoms worse.
Many horse shampoos contain sodium lauryl sulfate which is known to cause skin irritation, so it's important to avoid these and only use shampoos that declare ingredients and allergens on the product label.
Hedgewitch shampoos contain the highest grade of plant-based cleansers, used in top salon brands. They are also organic and awarded ECOCERT status.
For very itchy horses, german chamomile shampoo is the best option and should be left on for 5-10 mins before washing off. Peppermint shampoo is the next go-to solution. Both are easy to rinse off and leave the coat with a fantastic shine.
Can I use Icaridin on horses?
Icaridin is a human insect repellent so using on horses is an off-label use. We hope to have an announcement around extending our label authorisation soon.
My horse is itchy but it's not sweet itch. Will this strategy still help?
It's always helpful to try and find out what your horse is allergic to, but, yes, following a similar strategy will be helpful. Horses with seasonal allergies also tend to be more reactive to insect bites.
Is diet important?
Yes, diet can play a big role in how sensitive your horse is. There is some evidence that feeding niacinamide (vitamin B3) and supporting the skin with omega acids can help reduce symptoms.
Can you help me design a strategy to help my horse?
Yes, we can. Just contact us with information about your horse's diet, routine and current sweet itch control strategy. It's useful for us to know where things may be going wrong.
