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Does Sudocrem Help Horses With Sweet Itch?

Sudocrem is a topical cream that is commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions in humans, including diaper rash, eczema, and minor burns. While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Sudocrem is effective in treating sweet itch in horses, some horse owners have reported using it as part of a comprehensive management plan for the condition.

Sudocrem contains a combination of ingredients, including zinc oxide, which has astringent properties that can help to soothe and protect the skin, and benzyl benzoate, which has insecticidal properties that can help to repel insects that may exacerbate sweet itch symptoms. Additionally, Sudocrem contains other ingredients that may help to moisturize and hydrate the skin, which can be beneficial for horses with dry, flaky skin.

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However, it’s important to note that Sudocrem is not specifically formulated for use on horses and may not be suitable for all horses with sweet itch. Some horses may be allergic to one or more of the ingredients in Sudocrem, and using it excessively or inappropriately can lead to skin irritation or other adverse reactions. If you’re considering using Sudocrem as a treatment for your horse’s sweet itch, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian first to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your horse’s individual needs.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients in Suddocrem and how they might help a horse suffering with sweet itch.

How might zinc oxide help a horse with sweet itch?

Zinc oxide is a compound that has astringent properties, meaning it can help to soothe and protect the skin. When applied topically to the skin, zinc oxide can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of sweet itch in horses by reducing inflammation, preventing secondary infections, and protecting the skin from further damage.

Specifically, zinc oxide can help to soothe irritated and inflamed skin by creating a barrier between the skin and external irritants, such as insects or harsh weather conditions. Additionally, zinc oxide has antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent secondary infections in areas of the skin that have been damaged by excessive scratching or rubbing.

While there is little scientific evidence to support the use of zinc oxide as a treatment for sweet itch in horses, many horse owners have reported positive results after using zinc oxide as part of a comprehensive management plan for the condition. However, it’s important to note that excessive or inappropriate use of zinc oxide can lead to skin irritation or other adverse reactions, and that some horses may be allergic to it. If you’re considering using zinc oxide as a treatment for your horse’s sweet itch, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian first to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your horse’s individual needs.

How might Benzyl Benzoate help a horse with sweet itch?

Benzyl benzoate is an insecticide that has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions in humans and animals, including scabies and lice. When applied topically to the skin, benzyl benzoate can help to repel insects, such as midges and gnats, which are known to exacerbate the symptoms of sweet itch in horses.

Specifically, benzyl benzoate works by paralyzing the nervous system of insects that come into contact with it, making it an effective insecticide. By repelling insects, benzyl benzoate can help to reduce the incidence of insect bites and minimize the skin irritation and inflammation that can result from those bites.

While there is some evidence to support the use of benzyl benzoate as a treatment for sweet itch in horses, it’s important to note that excessive or inappropriate use of the compound can lead to skin irritation or other adverse reactions. Additionally, benzyl benzoate can be toxic if ingested or applied in high concentrations. If you’re considering using benzyl benzoate as a treatment for your horse’s sweet itch, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian first to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your horse’s individual needs.

Sudeocrem seems to be the “goto” cream for many horse owners. Have you havd any success using Sudocrem to treat sweet itch? If so, let us know in the comments and share your experiences!

Homemade Sweet Itch Remedies

Sweet itch, also known as summer itch or insect hypersensitivity, is a common skin condition in horses caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of biting midges or other insects. While there are several commercial products available to help manage sweet itch in horses, there are also some homemade remedies that may help alleviate symptoms.

However, it’s important to note that these remedies should not replace veterinary care, and you should always consult with a veterinarian before trying any new treatment for your horse.

Here are a few homemade sweet itch remedies you can try:

Apple cider vinegar: Dilute raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) and apply to affected areas with a sponge or spray bottle. Apple cider vinegar has natural anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe itchy skin.

Aloe vera: Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to affected areas. Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and may help soothe irritated skin.

Coconut oil: Apply organic, unrefined coconut oil to affected areas. Coconut oil has natural moisturizing and antimicrobial properties that may help soothe and heal itchy skin.

Calendula: Brew dried calendula flowers in hot water to make a tea, strain the flowers out, and let the tea cool. Apply the cooled tea to affected areas with a sponge or spray bottle. Calendula has natural anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and may help soothe itchy skin.

Tea tree oil: Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, and apply to affected areas. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe irritated skin.

Again, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian before trying any new treatment for your horse, including these homemade remedies. Additionally, it’s important to keep your horse’s environment clean and free of standing water, which can attract biting midges and other insects. Using fly sheets, fly masks, and fly repellent can also help prevent insect bites and reduce symptoms of sweet itch.

How does apple cider vinegar help horses with sweet itch?

Apple cider vinegar has been suggested as a potential remedy for horses with sweet itch due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. When diluted with water and applied to the skin, the vinegar may help to reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin. The vinegar may also have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent secondary infections in areas where the skin has been damaged by excessive scratching or rubbing.

In addition, some people believe that apple cider vinegar can help to balance the pH of the skin and create an environment that is less attractive to biting insects like midges, which can trigger episodes of sweet itch. While there is little scientific evidence to support these claims, many horse owners have reported positive results after using apple cider vinegar as part of a comprehensive management plan for sweet itch.

It’s important to note, however, that apple cider vinegar should always be diluted before being applied to the skin, as undiluted vinegar can be harsh and potentially damaging to the skin. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your horse.

How does aloe vera help horses with sweet itch?

Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions in both humans and animals. When applied topically to the skin, the gel-like substance found inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant can help to soothe irritated and inflamed skin, making it a potential remedy for horses with sweet itch.

Specifically, aloe vera gel contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and prevent secondary infections in areas of the skin that have been damaged by excessive scratching or rubbing. Additionally, aloe vera gel can help to hydrate and moisturize dry, flaky skin, which can be a common symptom of sweet itch.

While there is little scientific evidence to support the use of aloe vera as a treatment for sweet itch in horses, many horse owners have reported positive results after using aloe vera as part of a comprehensive management plan for the condition. However, it’s important to note that aloe vera gel should be used in moderation and that some horses may be allergic to it. If you’re considering using aloe vera gel on your horse’s skin, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian first.

How does coconut oil help horses with sweet itch?

Coconut oil is a natural oil that is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which can have a variety of health benefits for horses. When applied topically to the skin, coconut oil can help to soothe irritated and inflamed skin, making it a potential remedy for horses with sweet itch.

Specifically, coconut oil has natural moisturizing and antimicrobial properties that can help to hydrate and protect the skin, preventing further damage and reducing the risk of secondary infections in areas that have been damaged by excessive scratching or rubbing. Coconut oil can also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the skin, which can help to alleviate symptoms of sweet itch.

While there is little scientific evidence to support the use of coconut oil as a treatment for sweet itch in horses, many horse owners have reported positive results after using coconut oil as part of a comprehensive management plan for the condition. However, it’s important to note that coconut oil should be used in moderation and that some horses may be allergic to it. If you’re considering using coconut oil on your horse’s skin, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian first.

How does calendula vinegar help horses with sweet itch?

Calendula is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions in both humans and animals. When brewed as a tea and applied topically to the skin, calendula can help to soothe irritated and inflamed skin, making it a potential remedy for horses with sweet itch.

Specifically, calendula flowers contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which may help to reduce inflammation, prevent secondary infections, and soothe irritated skin. Additionally, calendula can help to hydrate and moisturize dry, flaky skin, which can be a common symptom of sweet itch.

While there is little scientific evidence to support the use of calendula as a treatment for sweet itch in horses, many horse owners have reported positive results after using calendula as part of a comprehensive management plan for the condition. However, it’s important to note that calendula tea should be used in moderation and that some horses may be allergic to it. If you’re considering using calendula tea on your horse’s skin, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian first.

How does tea tree oil help horses with sweet itch?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has been suggested as a potential remedy for horses with sweet itch due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and applied topically to the skin, tea tree oil may help to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and prevent secondary infections in areas of the skin that have been damaged by excessive scratching or rubbing.

Specifically, tea tree oil contains compounds that have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can help to kill bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in damaged skin. Additionally, tea tree oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, which can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with sweet itch.

While there is some evidence to support the use of tea tree oil as a treatment for skin conditions in horses, including sweet itch, it’s important to note that tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested or applied in high concentrations. It’s also important to use tea tree oil in moderation and to dilute it properly before applying it to your horse’s skin. If you’re considering using tea tree oil as a treatment for your horse’s sweet itch, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian first.

Sweet Itch FAQ

sweet itch faq

What is Sweet Itch?

Sweet Itch is an allergic skin condition causing horses and ponies to feel very itchy and uncomfortable. It is more common in ponies and the condition can be hereditary. The disease can be very disfiguring.

What causes Sweet Itch?

Affected animals are hypersensitive to the saliva of the biting Culicoides midge. There are over 100 species of this midge. Some horses develop a similar allergy when bitten by stable flies (Stomoxys spp.) and black flies (Simulium spp.).

What are the symptoms of Sweet Itch?

  • Affected animals rub themselves against trees, fences and stables in an attempt to relieve the irritation.
  • The condition varies in severity from occasional rubbing with some broken mane and tail hairs to almost complete loss of the mane and tail. Initially the horse or pony has patches where the hair has obviously been rubbed. This may progress to bald patches or weeping sores.
  • Lesions occur most commonly on the face, forelock, poll, mane, neck, withers, rump, tail head and dock. Some animals experience irritation along the ventral midline especially on the soft skin in front of the udder or sheath.
  • Secondary bacterial infections can develop.
  • With time, the repeated trauma causes thickening and ridging of the skin at the base of the mane, especially near the withers.
  • Some ponies are so bothered by the condition that their behaviour becomes erratic and unpredictable. They can be miserable and bad-tempered, swishing their tails and kicking their bellies.

The condition tends to be seasonal, with symptoms occurring in the UK between late March and early November when the insects are prevalent. In a mild winter (or warmer climates), a sensitized pony may be affected all year round. The flies are very small and are not strong fliers. They feed less on windy days when the wind speed is more than 7 km/hour (4 miles/hr).

How to prevent Sweet Itch

With horses or ponies that suffer every year, the aim should be to prevent the signs by careful management, rather than waiting for them to develop. This is done by reducing their exposure to the midges.

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  • The midges breed in standing water and damp, rotting vegetation so wherever possible, the pony should be moved away from these.
  • Drainage of marshy fields and ponds may help.
  • Any stagnant troughs or water containers near the stable should be removed.
  • The flies feed primarily at dawn and dusk and may continue during the night. The pony should be stabled from an hour before sunset until at least an hour after sunrise the next morning. The safest period for grazing is mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
  • Screening the stable windows, door and also air spaces that communicate with the next stable with a fine mesh to stop midges entering will help.
  • The use of a large ceiling-mounted electric fan may help to drive the midges away.
  • When the pony is in the stable or turned out, a special sweet itch rug and fly mask/hood which prevents midges biting and covers as much of the pony as possible affords considerable protection. This is made of a breathable material and can be worn for up to 24 hours a day.
  • Regular application of a fly repellent, e.g. pyrethrin, is likely to help.
  • Benzyl benzoate may give some relief by making the midges less likely to bite, but it is an irritant and should not be applied to skin that is already broken and sore. Benzyl benzoate is a weak insecticide that requires daily application.
  • Oily lotions are messy, but these can provide a mechanical barrier and prevent the flies biting.
  • Some owners report an improvement with the inclusion of garlic in the diet.
  • If at all possible, affected horses and ponies should be moved to a midge-free area such as an exposed hilltop or breezy coastal site.

These measures should be in place before the start of the midge season.

How to treat Sweet Itch

Treatment to reduce the irritation should be started as soon as the first signs are seen.

Topical Preparations

Soothing lotions such as Sudocream or aloe vera preparations and sprays can reduce the irritation.

Provided there is no infection, a corticosteroid cream may be prescribed by your vets. Gloves should be worn when applying this and the treatment is only practical for small areas.

If secondary infection occurs, an antibiotic cream may be necessary.

Shampooing the horse every 1-2 weeks to remove the scurf and scabs may help to decrease the irritation. A hypoallergenic shampoo should be used.

Systemic Medications

If the irritation is severe and cannot be relieved by topical treatment and good management, then it may be necessary for the vet to prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids. Corticosteroid tablets, e.g. prednisolone, are usually given daily to start with while the symptoms are severe. As soon as possible, the dose is reduced to a minimum and given on alternate days to reduce the risks of side effects which include laminitis and immuno-suppression. Any wound infection should be cleared up with antibiotics before corticosteroids are given. Long-acting corticosteroid injections may help with some cases but these are not recommended as they carry an increased risk of complications such as laminitis.

Treating Sweet Itch Long Term

If the condition is recognised early and the owner has the time and facilities to manage it well, many horses with a susceptibility to sweet itch develop only mild signs with occasional rubbing.

However, in other cases the prognosis is guarded. The disease can be both debilitating and disfiguring. It prevents the animal being used for showing and the sores may limit riding in the summer.

Sweet Itch is costly in time, effort and money. Not surprisingly, affected animals may become bad-tempered and unreliable. The condition tends to get worse each year. Moving the horse or pony to another environment may help. However, there are some ponies who reach a state where no treatment is effective and every summer is a time of torment and misery. In these cases, euthanasia may have to be considered.

Many of these animals are sold during the winter months and the problem is passed on to another unsuspecting owner. Potential purchasers should always be warned about the condition as those horses and ponies require special attention and should go to experienced homes with suitable facilities.