Not-So-Sweet Itch

Sweet itch (also known as summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis, or SSRD) is an allergic reaction in horses to the bites of midges (Culicoides species).

While natural shampoos and balms won’t cure sweet itch, they can play a supportive and soothing role in managing symptoms and improving skin condition. Here’s how:

100% Natural Lavender & Peppermint Horse Shampoo

How Lavender & Peppermint Shampoo Helps Sweet Itch

• Calms irritation and inflammation
  Lavender is renowned for its natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. It helps reduce redness, swelling, and the “burning itch” feeling after midge bites.
• Soothes and relaxes the skin (and the horse)
  The gentle scent and natural properties of lavender calm not only the skin but also the horse’s nervous system, making wash time and recovery less stressful.
• Cools and relieves itching
  Peppermint contains natural menthol, which provides a cooling sensation that eases the heat and irritation of sweet itch patches.
• Cleans and purifies
  The combination removes allergens, dirt, and dried serum from rubbed areas, helping the skin breathe and heal. Peppermint’s mild antibacterial and anti-fungal action supports a cleaner, healthier surface.
• Light insect deterrent
  Both lavender and peppermint have naturally repellent scents that discourage midges and flies, offering a bit of extra protection post-wash.
• Balances oil and moisture levels
  Peppermint helps regulate sebum production, while lavender supports skin repair and hydration, making it great for alternating with richer or more hydrating shampoos like Rose & Vanilla.

How the 100% Natural Horse Balm Complements It

After washing, the balm:

• Seals in the lavender and peppermint’s soothing benefits.
• Creates a barrier to shield healing areas from midges, dirt, and moisture.
• Adds deep nourishment, helping repair rubbed patches and restore smooth, healthy skin.
• Extends comfort between washes by keeping the area soft, hydrated, and less prone to re-irritation.

When to Use It

• Perfect during flare-ups when the horse is itchy, hot, or rubbing.
• Ideal for after-exposure washes (e.g. after turnout or evening midge activity) to cool and cleanse the skin.
• Pairs beautifully with your balm for a “wash–soothe–protect” routine.

How the Balm Completes the Routine

• Protects from further bites and rubbing with a breathable, natural barrier.
• Nourishes skin back to health with oils, butters, and vitamin E.
• Extends comfort between washes by keeping the skin soft, soothed, and moisturised.

Looking for alternative scents?

How the Bergamot & Lemongrass Shampoo Helps Sweet Itch

• Soothes irritation – bergamot has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, calming inflamed skin and helping prevent infection from rubbing.
• Freshens and cools – lemongrass provides a refreshing, cooling sensation that eases the itch–scratch cycle.
• Cleanses gently – removes dirt, sweat, and allergens that can aggravate itching without stripping natural oils.
• Natural insect deterrent – both bergamot and lemongrass oils have mild repellent effects against midges and flies, helping reduce future bites.
• Balances skin – the natural astringency of lemongrass helps dry out weepy patches while bergamot supports skin healing and promotes a healthy shine.

How the Balm Complements the Shampoo

• Seals and protects – creates a gentle, breathable barrier over sore or rubbed areas, shielding from midges, dust, and moisture.
• Nourishes deeply – rich natural oils and butters restore the skin’s protective layer, softening scabs and supporting regrowth of healthy skin.
• Soothes discomfort – ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or calendula calm hot, itchy patches after washing.
• Aids healing – antioxidants and natural vitamins (such as E and A) help repair damaged tissue and minimise scarring.
• Extends relief – when used daily after the shampoo, the balm maintains hydration and comfort between washes, reducing the horse’s urge to rub.

Our Rose & Vanilla shampoo can absolutely help with sweet itch too...

How the Rose & Vanilla Shampoo Helps

• Soothes sensitive skin – rose oil and extract are naturally calming and anti-inflammatory, making them ideal for irritated or raw skin.
• Hydrates and softens – rose helps restore moisture balance, easing the dry, flaky texture that often follows itching or rubbing.
• Natural antiseptic action – rose’s mild antibacterial properties help keep open or rubbed areas clean and reduce the risk of infection.
• Comforting aroma – the warm rose and vanilla scent can have a calming effect on both horse and handler, making wash time more relaxing.
• Gentle daily use – ideal for horses with very sensitive skin or for alternating with the Bergamot & Lemongrass shampoo when the skin needs a break from stronger essential oils.

How the Balm Complements It

After cleansing with Rose & Vanilla, the balm:

• Locks in hydration, supporting the soothing effect of the wash.
• Protects delicate, freshly washed skin from new bites and irritation.
• Promotes healing through nourishing oils, vitamins, and a protective barrier layer.
• Can be used more frequently, since the gentle fragrance pairing won’t overwhelm sensitive skin or noses.

Best Way to Use Both

• Use Bergamot & Lemongrass for a deep, cleansing, insect-deterring wash (for example, once or twice a week during midge season).
• Use Rose & Vanilla in between for soothing, hydrating maintenance — especially when the skin looks dry, rubbed, or needs a gentler touch.
• Always finish with the balm to seal, protect, and help the skin recover.