How to Cure Sweet Itch

There is nothing sweet about "sweet itch." Also known as Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, it is a skin condition that affects horses during the warmer months of the year. It is caused by the secretions of the Culicoides, a type of insect. The skin condition is not life threatening, but it is a great source of irritation and discomfort. Symptoms of sweet itch include hair loss, thickening of the skin around the mane and tail, and blackened, thick skin.

Things You'll Need

  • Corticosteroid cream
  • Rubber gloves
  • Box fan
  • Baby oil
  • Mosquito net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Meet with a veterinarian to obtain a prescription for corticosteroids. Ask the vet to examine the horse and explain any symptoms that the horse has exhibited, such as blackened skin or irritation. Once home, rub the corticosteroid cream on the affected area daily to relieve the itch, inflammation and irritation. Wear rubber gloves when applying the lotion. If you get it on your skin, wash it away with soapy water.

    • 2

      Remove any standing water near the horse, such as puddles and rain barrels. The insect lays eggs in these places, and the eggs then hatch there. In addition, keep horses away from any swampy marsh areas during the daytime hours, as these are hotbeds of insect activity.

    • 3

      Close the horse inside a stable during the early morning and early evening hours. These are the hours that the insect is most active. Point a box fan directly at the horse to make it more difficult for the insect to land on and bite the horse's skin.

    • 4

      Cover the roots of the horse's mane and tail with baby oil. The oil will create a surface that is difficult for the insect to grasp and bite.

    • 5

      Cover the horse with a mosquito net during the daytime hours and especially when the horse is outdoors. This protection will restrict access to the horse's skin, preventing any bites and irritation.