Sweet itch rugs

Sweet itch rugs are made of a lightweight, ultra fine mesh with elasticated edges designed to prevent midges and flies crawling through or under the rug.  Approximately 3% of the UK horse population is thought to suffer from sweet itch which s an allergic reaction to bites from a species of midge called Culicoides causing severe itching to the horse resulting in it rubbing the irritated area and inflicting damage and hair loss on itself.  Preventing exposure to Culicoides midges remains the best cure for sweet itch in horses and sweet itch rugs are designed specifically to achieve this.

Below are some common questions about sweet itch rugs and their effectiveness in combating this condition.

1. Do sweet itch rugs work?

   Sweet itch rugs are specifically designed to protect horses from midge bites and minimise the discomfort associated with sweet itch. These rugs typically feature fine mesh material that acts as a physical barrier, preventing midges from accessing the horse's skin. The mesh is tightly woven and the rug includes a fixed, closed neck cover with closed chest area so there are no gaps around the neck or chest area for midges to get through - this means the rug is placed over the horse's head to fit on the horse.  Furthermore an elasticated edge around the neck opening, an overlapping belly band and large tail flap ensure that the neck, chest, body, belly and tail are all covered to offer comprehensive protection.  Sweet itch rugs are designed to be a snug fit and so the material has some stretch to give a better fit and increased comfort for the horse.

   By using a sweet itch rug, horse owners can help reduce the incidence of midge bites and subsequent allergic reactions in their horses. While results may vary depending on individual circumstances and environmental factors, sweet itch rugs have been found to be effective in managing sweet itch and alleviating the associated symptoms.  Sweet itch rugs are one of the most effective means of reducing a horse's exposure to midges and ideally should start to be used before the midge season starts.  Due to the life cycle of midges horses suffer from sweet itch mostly between April and October. However with change in climate conditions, the midge season often starts earlier with horses suffering from sweet itch increasingly over the winter months and it is not unusual for horses to start suffering from sweet itch from February onwards.

2. What is the difference between a sweet itch rug and a fly rug?

   Sweet itch rugs and fly rugs may seem similar, but there are key differences between the two. While both types of rugs provide protection against insects, their designs and functionalities vary.

   Sweet itch rugs are specifically tailored to combat the challenges of sweet itch. They feature fine mesh construction that prevents midges from reaching the horse's skin. The tight weave of the mesh, closed neck and chest, elasticated edges and belly band ensures maximum protection while allowing sufficient airflow to keep the horse comfortable.

   On the other hand, fly rugs are more general-purpose and offer protection against a variety of larger flying insects. They are often made from a coarser mesh, have an open neck and chest that is closed with fastenings, and the rug may or may not have a belly flap.  Fly rugs are suitable for horses that do not have specific allergic reactions but still require some level of protection from nuisance insects, but they don't provide the higher level of protection needed for those horses that suffer from sweet itch.  Some owners of horses that do not suffer from sweet itch also prefer to use a sweet itch rug rather than a standard fly rug simply because they offer greater protection from nuisance insects with their softer, tight weave mesh, close fitting belly band and their closed neck and chest design.

3. How do you know if your horse has sweet itch?

   Identifying sweet itch in horses is crucial for early intervention and management. Here are some common signs that may indicate your horse is suffering from sweet itch:

   • Excessive itching: Sweet itch causes horses to scratch and rub themselves against various surfaces to relieve itching. If you observe your horse constantly scratching, particularly in specific areas like the mane, tail, or belly, it may be a sign of sweet itch.

   • Hair loss and skin irritation: Sweet itch can lead to hair loss, often resulting in bald patches or thinning of the mane and tail. The affected areas may also exhibit redness, inflammation, and scabbing due to persistent scratching.

   • Restlessness and irritability: Horses with sweet itch may display signs of discomfort and restlessness. They may become agitated, constantly moving or swishing their tails as they try to alleviate the itching sensation.

   If you notice these symptoms in your horse, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and to discuss appropriate treatment options.

4. How do you get rid of sweet itch?

   Managing sweet itch involves a multi-faceted approach that combines preventive measures and targeted treatments. Here are some strategies to help alleviate sweet itch in horses:

   • Sweet itch rugs: As indicated, sweet itch rugs play a crucial role in preventing midge bites and reducing the severity of sweet itch symptoms. Investing in a sweet itch rug, such as the Zebra Sweet Itch Rug, Brown Sweet Itch Rug, or Grey Sweet Itch Rug from Equitheme, can provide your horse with the necessary protection.

   • Insect control: Implementing effective insect control measures can significantly reduce the midge population around your horse's environment. This can include using insecticides such as Farnam Tri-Tec 14, fly traps, and maintaining clean paddocks to minimise breeding sites for insects.

   • Topical treatments: Sweet itch lotions can help soothe irritated skin and provide relief from itching. 

   • Dietary supplements: There are a range of feed supplements aimed at combatting or relieving sweet itch certaining herbs that have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which can aid in managing sweet itch. 

Sweet itch can be a challenging condition for both horses and their owners. However, with the use of a sweet itch rug like one of the Equitheme sweet itch rugs and implementing comprehensive management strategies, are key components in managing sweet itch and providing relief for your horse.