Sweet itch is caused by an allergic reaction to the protein in the saliva of biting insects. This causes the immune system to attack its own cells and leads to an extreme reaction. In the UK, insects that cause sweet itch are the midge (Culicoides) and potentially the black fly (Simulium). A particularly debilitating and chronic condition which results in often severe itching, inflammation, hair loss, and skin lesions.
The success of our EquiSkin supplement dates back to findings in 1962 where a herd of Icelandic ponies suffering from sweet itch were fed and cured by blocks of cattle minsal. Our formula today is based on the ingredients within this original cattle minsal.