How can you stop your horse from scratching sensitive areas?

Insects, parasites, mites and other pests can be around all year long. They love your horse’s sensitive areas, such as its ears, belly, legs, forelock, etc.

Intelligent, mechanical protection

Picture 0: Weakened skin. Epidermis has become dry and cracked. It is open to external attack.

Picture 1: Irritated, weakened skin is protected by mechanical means using a breathable balm. Skin recovers its internal hydration without loss of moisture and is able to breathe.

Picture 2: Restructured (normal) skin. Optimal epidermal function. Protective balm prevents deterioration and keeps skin in good condition.

There is no point in treating a disorder before it actually exists. Itching only starts if irritants manage to get in! It all comes down to effective protection.

To achieve good, lasting skin protection

1. Cover the areas with a breathable product: The skin must be protected but it must be able to breathe or it will dry out, crack and itch. In no circumstances use Vaseline or any product containing it in any significant amount. Although it seems to be oily at first, after a time it has a drying effect on the skin.
2. 2. Opt for a balm, rather than a cream. Skin absorbs cream more quickly and its more liquid texture means it does not last as long and therefore needs re-applying more frequently. Balm is thicker, however, thus forming an effective, lasting barrier.
3. 3. Go for an ultra-hydrating balm: the more hydrated the skin, the more elastic it is and the less it tends to crack, something that can make it very itchy.
4. 4. Opt for a waterproof balm, which will be weather- and hose-resistant even in moderate amounts.
5. 5. Check ingredients and make sure that none are photosensitising, i.e. cause the skin to react to the sun (citrus oils and many other ingredients often are). As your horse spends a lot of time in the sun, there might be a problematic

The information provided does not in any circumstances replace the advice of your veterinarian. It is the fruit of over 12 years’ experience and analysis of equine skin problems.