Sweet itch (Culicoides Hypersensitivity)

Sweet itch is a medical condition in equines. It is the allergic reaction to the bites of certain midges and is most commonly found in warmer regions. At the stables where I have been volunteering own three horses and ponies with this problem. All three are affected severely in summer months and rub themselves raw as well after the histamine reaction causes their skin to become sore and agitated. 

Symptoms of this include:
- The histamine response occurs at the site of the bite and this is makes the horse scratch and rub these areas intensely 
- Skin abrasions affecting the mane, tail, dorsal area as well as the head and ears. 
- Possible secondary infections of the lesions which can be broken and bleeding skin, broken/sparse hair or bald patches.
Symptoms specific to our three equines are large areas of bald patches with open sores within, as well as broken hair follicles leading to further bleeding. 

Our two ponies that are affected are still young and wear special rugs and sometimes field masks to stop the midges settling on their skin and our horse that is affected has similar treatment.
We also rub Aloe Vera and other herbal remedies on the sore spots to help reduce the inflamation and soothe the itching. Vigorous grooming is needed to prevent hair build up underneath the rugs, but gradually they are improving.

The main problem with sweet itch is that it can cause the horse to shake it's head when being ridden and they avoid contact with the sore spots because they are so painful which can lead to dilemmas where we can't catch/put the head collars on.

Above: One of the ponies, Nutkin, with her bridle on. This photo shows the rubbed skin on her forehead, underneath her forelock, on her ears and at the base of the forelock.
Below: The two ponies, Nutkin and Burley, out in the field with their Rambo fly rugs on.