Changes

The aims of treatment are to control pruritus, treat any secondary bacterial infections and reduce the number of midges coming into contact with the affected horse. In many cases, appropriate environmental changes are sufficient to ease clinical signs.  Anti-midge rugs are available and prevent the insects from landing and feeding and are most effective when used in conjunction with an insect repellant containing citrus extract or DEET. Access to marshy pasture or fields near open water should be prevented and horses should be stabled at night when midges are most active. Fans and anti-fly mesh may be provided in the stable to provide additional protection from midges.

The aims of treatment are to control pruritus, treat any secondary bacterial infections and reduce the number of midges coming into contact with the affected horse. In many cases, appropriate environmental changes are sufficient to ease clinical signs.  Anti-midge rugs are available and prevent the insects from landing and feeding and are most effective when used in conjunction with an insect repellant containing citrus extract or DEET. Access to marshy pasture or fields near open water should be prevented and horses should be stabled at night when midges are most active. Fans and anti-fly mesh may be provided in the stable to provide additional protection from midges.

In severe cases, further treatment using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pruritus may be required. These should be used with caution in order to avoid possible side-effects including laminitis and iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. Antihistamines may be beneficial as a more long-term method of control but are only useful if administered before the onset of pruritus. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids may aid in reducing pruritus and controlling inflammation.

In severe cases, further treatment using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pruritus may be required. These should be used with caution in order to avoid possible side-effects including laminitis and iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. Antihistamines may be beneficial as a more long-term method of control but are only useful if administered before the onset of pruritus. Variable success has been reported with hyposensitisation using a vaccine formulated with antigens selected on the basis of intradermal allergy testing. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids may aid in reducing pruritus and controlling inflammation.

==References==

==References==

*Wilson, A. D., Harwood, L. J., Björnsdottir, S., Marti, E., Day, M. J. '''(Detection of IgG and IgE serum antibodies to Culicoides

*Wilson, A. D., Harwood, L. J., Björnsdottir, S., Marti, E., Day, M. J. '''(Detection of IgG and IgE serum antibodies to Culicoides

salivary gland antigens in horses with insect dermal hypersensitivity (sweet itch)''' ''Equine Veterinary Journal 33 (7)707-713''

salivary gland antigens in horses with insect dermal hypersensitivity (sweet itch)''' ''Equine Veterinary Journal 33 (7)707-713''