My mare has sweet itch. Neosporin worked really great and I thought it was just clearing up the sores but I?

Question

just read that the midges don't like the oils so I guess it was just the greasyness of the stuff that did it (I believe this because I tried sooo many different horsey medications like Swat etc and nothing worked nearly as good or as fast). I also read to use Avon skin-so-soft but that doesn't seem like it would stay on as good. I know this is messy but I am thinking of using Vaseline. Has anyone ever tried this?Vaseline is way cheaper than Neosporin. I go thru a tube in days. Is there a reason I might not want to use vaseline? Does anyone know of some remedies for it that aren't so expensive. And regular fly sprays don't seem to work. Am I not applying enough or don't they work on these midges? Do I need a special repellent or insecticide? I hope, I hope, I hope one of you guys answer my question. The first time I asked about sweet itch it was here and I didn't get one answer. Thanks so much for sharing your time and knowledge. You guys are great!

Answer 1

My miniture pony has sweet itch, and the only way we found that worked to relieve him was to put vaseline mixed with lavander oil on the sores and keep him rugged up.

The lavander has a natural soothing effect and vaseline is good for just about everything, and its gentle on his skin.

Also if the sores are really bad we sprayed Centrigen (I think thats how you spell it) on them to help heal the sores before we put the vaseline mix on them. Its that purple animal wound spray you get in cans. Your horse will be purple for a while but it works really well! We got loads of comments on my minis purple bum!

So yea, if the sores are bad, help them heal first with a wound spary, then put vaseline mixed with lavander oil on the affected area, and keep her rugged up so the flies cant bite her anymore.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Gold Nugget makes a cream, and a spray. I got both and this stuff works. My gelding poor thing can become an itchy mess and I tried a bunch of other stuff and this works. Plus it smells nice and doesn't have other stuff in it that would make him itch. It is reasonably priced as well. I also use Shapley's MTG, that works well just rub it in deep to just the skin. I used to use skin so soft and then tried it on my eyes once and it burned my eyes so I stopped using it anywhere around the eyes. It wears off really quick though. You can also feed your horse apple cider vinegar (and use as a wipe) because gnats don't like the smell. I am attaching an article here that has a "make it at home" recipe as well.

Answer 3

Well here I am AGAIN!  Believe it or NOT, this works and has for decades.  

Well if you're willing to try anything, here's a decades old remedy for it... Motor oil (New or used). Simply paint your horse with it and it will kill the fungus. Leave it on at least a month and within 2 weeks of painting it on, you'll see new hair growing in hairless spots.

Answer 4

Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to Culicoides midges known as noseeums, and it is very difficult to deal with.  I also have a mare who gets a bad case every year.  I've tried garlic, allergy shots, immune boosters, etc.   What we've found works the best is a sweet itch blanket known as the Boett blanket.  There is also a hood that can be attached to it.  It literally stops the noseeums from biting the horse.  There are still some exposed areas on the legs, but it gives the horse a lot of relief over the rest of their body.  The horse is actually happy to have the blanket put on over his head, because he knows it helps him.  It isn't cheap, but it works.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, most fly sprays do not help with gnats.  Just try to make sure to get the vental line under the tummy with the spray and it might help.  You didn't really say if the problem was general or more pronounced in one area.  What I have found that works well for this is a product called Nu-Stock.  It is an oil based sulphur product.  It not only heals, but bugs do not like it and will stay away.  You have to make sure the areas you treat are clean before applying so you have to clean with betadine first.  This stuff seals off the area and you do not want to trap bacteria in so clean first, then apply.  Nu-stock also is very good at re-growing hair where it is lost.  It is also excellent for scratches and fungal problems.  It is not expensive and can be purchased at most feed stores.  If not, go to www.jeffersequine.com.  Good luck.

Answer 6

Hey-  try bag balm!

Answer 7

tea tree oil products work, as does cold tea (believe it or not!). However we have had several horses with sweet itch and we find that the best thing to do is to prevent - limit the amount of culicoides midges that can get to the horse! We only turn our horses out at night or the middle of the day if its not too hot, since midges are mostly out at dawn and dusk. We have also invested in all over fly rugs. They are really lightweight and dont overheat the horse, but they cover the stomach as well as the body and neck. You could also try fly fringes. Invest in a rug and limit the bites!!