Search

Sweet Itch & Mane and Tail Itching

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Itch and Mane and Tail Itching

DESCRIPTION:

Also known as Queensland Itch, Sweet Itch, Muck itch, Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, Summer Itch or Culicoides Hypersensitivity. Who can rest easy when you see your horse being used as a mobile food cart and driven to the brink of insanity by the intense itching of sweet-itch. Many a frustrated heart has been broken over ruined manes and tails and marred coats. We can easily help you overcome this issue and have your horse free of the issue in no time. Sweet Itch is a skin condition in horses caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of the culicoides fly and to a lesser degree the black fly, horn fly and stable fly which gives rise to intense itching. Some of the more common names are sand gnats, no-see ums and midges, Only the female of the genus are bloodsuckers. The condition is found in all parts of the world and affects all equine species, although it is most prevalent in warmer climates. The hypersensitivity response is caused by the production of histamines which make the horse’s skin inflamed and itchy. The allergic reaction develops at the site where the insects feed. The majority of affected horses show skin lesions affecting the mane, tail, midline of the belly, ears, and head although it can be present anywhere on the body. Sweet Itch lesions are characterized by intense itching which results in self-inflicted damage by the horse rubbing itself against any object available in an effort to find relief. This causes ruined manes and tails, scabbing, bleeding skin and bald patches. Secondary infections caused by the bite of the culiciodes fly may result, as in the case of Neck Threadworm.

TREATMENT:

After the lesions have appeared and the culiciodes have targeted your horse it becomes a viscous cycle. The horse itches and causes more insult to the area, the skin breaks open, blood and serum are produced, and like putting up a FREE FOOD sign at a restaurant, more culiciodes are drawn to the area to feed, and on and on it goes. In order to stop the cycle, you have to keep them off so the area can heal. How? Apply Equiderma Skin Lotion and cover it with Equiderma Zinc Paste, protect your horse well with Equiderma spray. Equiderma Neem and Aloe Herbal Spray is an organic, natural solution to keep these bloodsuckers off your horse by creating a natural barrier. It contains organic neem tea, and organic oil of neem, aloe, citronella, red cedar, eucalyptus, tea tree, white thyme, lavender, lemon grass and lemon peel. Consistent use will prevent attack and the issues that follow. For existing lesions we recommend the use of Equiderma Neem Shampoo and Equiderma Skin Lotion. Combined they are a powerhouse solution to break the cycle of continued feeding and simultaneously promote healing. Apply Equiderma Skin Lotion to any areas that have been bitten to stop the itching and subsequent damage to the skin. To keep insects away from affected areas, apply Equiderma Skin Lotion. The insects cannot penetrate the oil, and it will prevent re-infection. Management is key. Drain any stagnant or standing water in order to reduce the potential breeding of the insects. Keep grass mowed short. Stabling your horse at dawn and dusk and providing a large fan will inhibit the insects’ ability to reach your horse. Further protection methods include “Boett Rugs” and fly masks. We find these the most effective fly sheets and masks available.

WHAT TO USE:

Equiderma Sweet Itch Combo for horses includes Neem Shampoo Horse Spray and blue Skin Lotion
Equiderma Sweet Itch Combo

 

Horse Care in Summer and in Winter

It’s possible for your horse to live outside in comfort all year...

READ MORE

My Own Personal Secrets for Treating Winter Rain Rot

Winter Rain Rot brings with it a unique and frustrating challenge for...

READ MORE

4 Easy Ways To Make Your Horse Miserable

Ordinarily in this blog I share ideas for understanding your horse better...

READ MORE