Queensland Itch, also commonly called Summer Itch, is a frustrating and often extremely uncomfortable condition affecting some horses and dogs living in warm, humid climates.
The condition is generally associated with a hypersensitivity to the bites of tiny insects, particularly biting midges. While many animals can be bitten by these insects without developing a significant reaction, sensitive animals can develop an intense allergic response.
The result can be relentless itching, rubbing and scratching that becomes particularly troublesome during the warmer months.
What Does Queensland Itch Look Like?
The first sign is usually intense itching. An affected horse may constantly rub its mane, tail or body against fence posts, trees, gates and other objects within reach.
Dogs may scratch, chew, lick or rub affected areas of their body.
Repeated scratching can quickly damage the skin and cause:
- Hair loss
- Broken or irritated skin
- Scabs and crusting
- Open sores
- Secondary skin infections
- Thickened skin
- Wrinkling and changes in skin texture
Once the skin becomes damaged, the problem can become a frustrating cycle. The more the animal scratches, the more irritated the skin becomes, which can lead to even more itching.
Why Are Some Animals Affected and Others Aren't?
One of the most frustrating things about Queensland Itch is that not every animal reacts in the same way.
You may have two or more horses living in exactly the same paddock, exposed to the same insects, yet only one develops severe itching.
This is because the condition involves hypersensitivity. Some animals are simply much more reactive to insect bites than others.
Genetics, immune response, environmental conditions and previous exposure may all play a role.
Why Is It Worse in Summer?
Queensland Itch is particularly troublesome during warm, humid weather when biting insects are more active.
In tropical and subtropical areas, however, some animals can experience symptoms for much longer than the traditional summer season.
Periods of high humidity, rainfall and warm temperatures can create ideal conditions for biting insects, meaning sensitive animals may continue to experience problems outside the peak summer months.
The Importance of Prevention
When dealing with Queensland Itch, prevention is often easier than trying to settle severely irritated skin after the scratching cycle has already begun.
Reducing exposure to biting insects can make a significant difference.
For horses, useful management strategies may include bringing them into sheltered areas during periods when biting insects are most active, using appropriate fly protection and keeping the stable or shelter well screened where practical.
For dogs, reducing exposure to biting insects and maintaining good skin health can also be helpful.
Keeping the environment as clean and dry as possible and avoiding areas with large concentrations of biting insects may further reduce exposure.
No single approach works for every animal, so it can take some experimentation to identify the management strategies that provide the most benefit.
Supporting the Skin Naturally
Once an animal is constantly scratching, the skin can become extremely irritated and sore.
Gentle external care can help soothe the skin and provide some relief from dryness and irritation.
Natural topical products containing soothing ingredients may be useful as part of an overall management program. The aim is to calm irritated skin, support the skin barrier and reduce the urge to scratch.
Any product applied to broken or open skin should be chosen carefully, as some essential oils, herbal preparations and other natural ingredients can further irritate damaged skin.
Avoid applying products to deep or infected wounds unless they are specifically appropriate for that purpose.
Internal Support for Horses
Because Queensland Itch is associated with an exaggerated allergic response, supporting the horse's overall health may be useful as part of a long-term management approach.
A balanced diet, good digestive health, appropriate nutrition and minimising environmental stress are all important foundations.
Many horses benefit from the use of herbs and nutritional supplements to support internal balance. Herbal preparations may be selected for their traditional use in supporting healthy skin, digestion and normal immune function.
Herbal support is best considered as part of a broader management program rather than as a cure for Queensland Itch.
A Holistic Approach
The most effective approach to Queensland Itch is often a combination of management strategies rather than relying on one product.
This may include:
- Reducing exposure to biting insects
- Providing shelter during peak insect activity
- Using appropriate fly protection
- Supporting healthy skin
- Providing a balanced, species-appropriate diet
- Maintaining good digestive health
- Using appropriate nutritional or herbal support
- Keeping the animal's environment clean
- Treating irritated skin promptly
- Monitoring for secondary infections
For horses that repeatedly suffer from severe Queensland Itch, starting preventative measures before symptoms become severe can be particularly helpful.
Don't Let the Itch Get Out of Control
Queensland Itch can become a vicious cycle. An insect bite triggers an allergic reaction, the animal scratches, the skin becomes damaged, and the damaged skin becomes even more uncomfortable.
Early intervention can help prevent the problem from progressing to severe hair loss, thickened skin and open sores.
If your horse or dog is intensely itchy, develops extensive hair loss, has open wounds, develops discharge or shows signs of infection, veterinary advice should be sought. Other skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to establish the underlying cause rather than assuming every case of summer itching is Queensland Itch.
With a combination of insect management, good nutrition, skin care and appropriate natural support, many owners can help make the warmer months considerably more comfortable for their sensitive animals.
Internal Remedies for horses
Herbs can be added to your horses feed and using natural oils may help externally to support your horse.
For specific recommendations to suit your horse, complete our complimentary Horse Questionnaire.