What can you do about sweet itch in horses?
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Horse advice · Skin care & protection
What can you do about sweet itch in horses?
Is your horse rubbing its mane or tail, and are you noticing bald patches, thinning manes or a thinner tail? In this complete guide, you’ll learn what sweet itch is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to help your horse.
What is sweet itch in horses?
Sweet itch — also known as SME, Summer Mange Eczema or insect bite hypersensitivity — is an allergic skin reaction caused by the bite of midges, especially Culicoides species. Some horses react strongly to the saliva of these insects. This causes intense itching, which makes the horse rub and gradually damage the skin, mane and tail.
"A horse exposed to midges starts to itch, begins rubbing and further damages the skin, mane and tail — creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break."
When does sweet itch start?
Midges are most active in calm, warm and humid weather — typically from April through October. They are often found near stagnant water, ditches and low-lying pastures. Does your horse start rubbing every spring? Then this is the moment to take action, before the symptoms become more visible.
How do you recognize sweet itch?
Sweet itch can show itself in different ways. The intensity varies per horse and per season. These are the signs to look out for:
- Your horse is restless in the field, grazes or rests less and seems distracted
- Head shaking or stamping
- Skin feels more sensitive than usual when touched
- Thickening or hardening of the skin
- Your horse rubs its mane or tail
- Your horse rolls frequently, rubbing the mane and tail on the ground
- Your horse scratches the crest of the neck with a hoof
- Thinning mane and tail
- Bald patches in the mane or around the tail root
- Sores or bleeding caused by rubbing
Is your horse rubbing outside the summer season? Other causes may be involved, such as lice, parasites, gastric discomfort or a contact allergy. In that case, it is wise to consult your veterinarian.
What can you do? The complete six-step approach
There is no solution that completely removes sweet itch — it is a chronic allergy. However, with the right combination of protection, care and recovery support, you can significantly reduce the symptoms.
Protect the skin with a fly rug that really fits
A fly rug with a neck piece and tail flap is the foundation of every sweet itch approach. Choose a rug with a detachable neck piece and lining at the mane, chest and tail that does not negatively affect the thickness and condition of the mane and tail.
Protect the head with a fly mask
Midges can also bite around the eyes, ears and forelock. Choose a mask with a soft finish around the forehead and nose, so it does not cause rubbing marks during longer use.
Use a fly spray for extra protection
A fly spray actively helps repel insects and can be applied directly to the horse or sprayed over the fly rug.
Soothe the skin with a targeted anti-itch lotion
If your horse is already rubbing and the skin is irritated, a concentrated skin lotion can help break the itch cycle. Apply the lotion directly to the skin — between the hairs or mane, not on top of the coat. Use it only when itching occurs, not preventively.
Wash the skin with a soothing shampoo
Regular washing removes sweat, dust and allergens from the skin. A shampoo with tea tree extract is especially suitable because of its soothing and itch-relieving properties. With a shampoo brush, you can thoroughly lather your horse, even through thicker manes or a full tail.
Support hair growth on bald or thinning areas
Products with birch bark extract help regenerate the hair structure, strengthen the hair root and support healthy hair growth around the crest of the neck and tail root.
Which products help with sweet itch?
Below you’ll find the products we recommend at Ridershouse for horses with sweet itch or sensitive skin. Each product supports a specific part of the overall approach.
Animaderm Derfen Original Lotion
Derfen Original is an intensive, 100% natural and water-free anti-itch lotion for horses with thin, soft or sensitive skin. The lotion helps soothe the skin quickly, reduces tightness and supports the natural recovery of the skin barrier. Because the formula is completely water-free, the product stays on the skin for a long time — even in rainy weather.
The lotion contains ultra-softening dry oils that do not clog the skin. It forms a protective and nourishing lipid layer while allowing the skin to breathe. The formula is rich in vitamins E, D and K, complemented by antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The active ingredients — Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil and Juniperus Oxycedrus Wood Extract — care for, protect and keep the skin supple. Free from neem oil, insecticides and doping or photosensitizing ingredients.
Apply Derfen Original only when itching or rubbing occurs, to the areas where your horse rubs most. Gently part the hair, apply a small amount directly to the skin and massage lightly. Repeat only when your horse starts rubbing again — keep at least three days between applications. A trusted part of the Animaderm range since 2007.
View Derfen Original Lotion
Kentucky Horsewear Mesh Comfort Fly Rug
The dense mesh fabric helps keep most insects out, while the breathable material allows airflow and helps prevent overheating. The anatomical Comfort closure prevents pressure points at the chest and withers. The lining at the mane, chest and tail ensures the rug itself does not negatively affect the thickness and condition of the mane and tail. A belly flap, fastened with hook-and-loop closures and three straight surcingles, protects the belly and helps prevent insects from entering. The tail flap has an elastic loop through which the tail can be placed, helping the flap stay neatly in position. The neck piece is reinforced with strong webbing to prevent slipping and avoid pressure on the mane. Available in three colors.
Pied-de-Poule Beige – Brown Beige – Orange
Kentucky Horsewear Skin Friendly Fly Mask
Specially developed for horses with sensitive skin. The mask protects the eyes and ears without covering the nose, allowing your horse to breathe freely. The soft artificial sheepskin around the forehead and nose helps prevent rubbing marks during longer use. The breathable mesh material keeps the mask light and comfortable, even on warm days.
Skin Friendly Mask – Black Skin Friendly Mask – Silver
Effol Horsefly Blocker Fly Spray
Thanks to its powerful formula with highly dosed Icaridin and an extremely strong scent, horseflies and biting insects are effectively kept at a distance. The spray offers direct and long-lasting protection and can be applied directly to the horse or sprayed over the fly rug.
View Horsefly Blocker Spray
Leovet T-Baum Tea Tree Shampoo
Tea tree oil is known for its soothing and itch-relieving properties. This shampoo cleanses the skin thoroughly, calms irritation and supports the recovery of the skin barrier. With the matching Effol shampoo brush, you can thoroughly lather your horse, even through thicker manes or a full tail.
View Tea Tree Shampoo View Shampoo Brush
Effol Hair Root Liquid
Does your horse have bald or thinning areas in the mane or around the tail root? Birch bark extract helps regenerate the hair structure, strengthens the hair root and supports healthy hair growth. Apply it directly to bald or thinning areas at the hair root.
View Hair Root LiquidFrequently asked questions about sweet itch
My horse is rubbing its mane or tail raw — what helps the fastest?
Start immediately with a fly rug with a neck piece and a fly mask to stop further exposure to midges. Then apply Derfen Original to the skin around the crest of the neck or tail root. Once the skin has calmed down, you can start using Effol Hair Root Liquid to support hair growth.
My horse is rubbing its tail — is it always sweet itch?
Not necessarily. Tail rubbing in summer can fit with sweet itch, but lice, fungal issues or a nutritional deficiency may also play a role. If the rubbing only occurs during the summer months and is combined with itching around the mane, sweet itch is the most likely cause. Not sure? Ask your veterinarian to take a look.
Which fly rug is best for sweet itch?
Choose a rug with dense mesh fabric, a detachable neck piece, lining at sensitive areas, a belly flap and a tail flap with elastic. The Kentucky Horsewear Mesh Comfort Fly Rug meets all these requirements.
Can I use Derfen Original preventively?
No. Derfen Original is intended for use when itching or rubbing occurs, not as daily or preventive care. The lotion is highly concentrated and works best when applied specifically and at the right moment.
Sweet itch checklist
Save this overview and use it every spring as soon as the warmer days begin:
Ready to protect your horse?
At Ridershouse, you’ll find all the products you need for a complete sweet itch approach — from fly rugs to hair growth support. Do you have questions or would you like personal advice on which product suits your horse best? We’ll be happy to help you via WhatsApp.
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Ellen van Asselt is the founder of Ridershouse, a brand focused on equestrian sports and everything related to it. The idea for Ridershouse originated in 2007 from her own experience in the equestrian world, where she developed a passion for combining the world of horses with fashion.
Ridershouse was born out of the desire to offer high-quality, fashionable, and functional products such as caps, competition jackets, and boots for riders and their horses, with attention to both aesthetics and the well-being of the animal.