What should I do if my horse has broken skin from sweet itch?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse has broken skin from sweet itch, the main priorities are to stop further rubbing, keep the area clean and watch for signs it’s getting worse. Sweet itch often causes intense irritation, so the skin can break down from scratching, rubbing or biting. There may also be other contributing skin issues, so it’s worth checking the area carefully rather than assuming it’s only sweet itch.

Things To Check

1. Check exactly where the skin has broken and how large the area is.

2. Look for redness, swelling, heat, scabs, dampness or any discharge.

3. See whether your horse is rubbing the same area on fences, rugs, stable walls or trees.

4. Check if the itching is worse after turnout, around dawn and dusk, or after exercise.

5. Look for signs of flies, midges or other biting insects around the horse and turnout area.

6. Make sure rugs, neck covers, boots or tack are not rubbing the broken skin.

7. Notice whether your horse seems uncomfortable, restless or more sensitive than usual when you touch the area.

Common Causes

The most common cause is self-trauma from sweet itch, where itching leads to repeated rubbing, scratching or stamping until the skin opens.

Fly and midge irritation can also keep the cycle going, especially in warm weather, at pasture edges or near standing water.

Less commonly, the skin may be reacting to rug friction, tack pressure, grooming irritation or another skin problem alongside sweet itch.

If broken skin is not settling, it can sometimes become sore or infected, which is why it’s sensible to keep a close eye on changes.

What To Do

Gently prevent further rubbing where you can, including checking rugs and any turnout setup that might be making the area worse.

Keep the broken skin as clean and dry as practical. If you’re washing the area, be gentle and avoid scrubbing.

Reduce fly and midge exposure as much as possible by managing turnout times, stabling if appropriate, and keeping the environment as tidy as you can.

Check the area daily for changes in size, heat, swelling, discharge or extra soreness.

If the skin is only mildly broken, a careful routine and good fly-season management may help it settle. If your horse keeps rubbing, the area spreads, or it doesn’t improve, it’s sensible to ask your vet for advice.

Products That May Help

When sweet itch is leading to rubbing and broken skin, fly-season management items may be useful as part of a wider routine to support comfort and day-to-day care.

Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care

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