What should I do if my horse has open sores from sweet itch? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your horse has open sores from sweet itch, the first step is to stop the rubbing or scratching as much as you can and keep the skin clean and dry. Sweet itch can make horses rub themselves raw, but open sores can also become irritated or infected, so it’s worth checking them carefully and acting early.
There can be several reasons the skin has broken down, including insect irritation, heavy rubbing, damp skin, dirty turnout conditions or a secondary skin infection.
Things To Check
1. Check where the sores are. Sweet itch commonly affects the mane, tail, dock, face and belly, but broken skin can appear anywhere the horse has been rubbing.
2. Look for signs of infection such as heat, swelling, discharge, a bad smell or increasing tenderness.
3. Notice whether your horse is rubbing on fences, stable walls, rugs or trees, as this can keep reopening the skin.
4. Check the sores for dirt, sweat, loose hair or crusting that may be making them more uncomfortable.
5. Think about when the itching is worst, such as at dawn, dusk, after turnout or in still, fly-heavy weather.
6. Look at rugs and skin coverage to see whether anything is rubbing, slipping or causing extra irritation.
7. Watch for changes in behaviour such as tail swishing, stamping, head tossing or restlessness, which can all suggest ongoing irritation.
Common Causes
The most common cause is sweet itch itself, where the horse rubs hard because of insect irritation and allergic skin sensitivity.
Open sores can also develop because the skin has been scratched repeatedly, especially if the coat is already damp, sweaty or dirty.
Sometimes the sores become worse because of secondary infection, pressure or rubbing from rugs, or irritation from flies getting to already sore skin.
What To Do
Try to reduce further rubbing as much as possible. If your horse is in a calm, shaded area with less fly pressure, that may help make them more comfortable.
Keep the area as clean as you can using gentle hygiene and avoid anything that looks like it’s stinging or making the skin angrier.
Check rugs, turnout, bedding and nearby surfaces for anything that might be causing extra friction. If the skin is wet or dirty, careful drying and tidy management can help support recovery.
It’s also sensible to monitor the sores over the next day or two. If they’re spreading, getting wetter, looking more inflamed or your horse seems increasingly bothered, that’s a sign to seek advice.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the sores are deep, rapidly worsening, very painful, hot or swollen, or if there’s discharge or a strong smell. You should also get advice if your horse seems unwell, won’t settle, or the skin isn’t improving despite careful management.
Products That May Help
If sweet itch is leading to rubbing and sore skin, a fly-season routine can be useful as part of day-to-day management. This collection may help support you with practical summer care alongside keeping a close eye on any broken skin.
Horse Fly Sprays & Summer Care
Related Questions
How do I stop my horse rubbing with sweet itch?
Can sweet itch sores get infected?
Should I keep my horse in or out if sweet itch is bad?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.