Expert Horse Health & Wellbeing Advice

Sweet Itch in Horses: The Science Behind the Itch (and What Actually Helps)

by Valerie De Clerck on Jul 06 2026

Sweet itch in horses is a systemic allergic condition driven by eosinophils and IL-5, not just a local skin reaction, which is why antihistamines rarely help. Midge avoidance remains the single most effective management tool, supported by diet and emerging treatments like allergen immunotherapy and an IL-5 vaccine.

#Culicoides
#horse care
#horse health
#IBH
#skin
#sweet itch