Queensland Itch is known by many names depending on where you live, Sweet Itch, Summer Eczema or Midges.

Midges breed in wet marshes and in the decaying vegetable matter along rivers and lakes .The horse may become restless and uneasy when the midges bite as they normally bite in swarms. The midges bite along the dorsal region of the horse, forehead, withers, rump and base of tail.

However it is only a proportion of horses that develop an allergic sensitivity to to the bites. This reaction starts as small itchy nodules that the horse will rub and bite at until hair is lost and skin becomes reddened and scaly and crusts form.

The treatment for Queensland Itch includes herbs to strengthen the nervous system as well as the immune system, liver and blood quality.

Feeding a balanced natural diet will help create a healthy horse with a strong immune system that will not predispose it to an overly reactive response to any insect attack.

Include fresh herbs in the diet such as Nettle and Dandelion to boost blood circulation and quality, I particularly recommend Rosehips for boosting the immune system when treating Queensland Itch.

My Skin Allergies Mix is used to address these issues, the mix includes Blue Flag, Cider Vinegar, Chamomile, Fresh Garlic, Euphorbia, Fenugreek, Fresh Horse Radish, Kelp, Marshmallow Herb, Mullein Herb, Nettle Herb, Pine Bark, Rosehip Granules, Yarrow and Vervain along with the Bach Flowers Impatiens, Walnut and Rescue Remedy.

More information can be found in the following article about Queensland Itch

The treatment for Queensland Itch is given internally just mixed into water and then into feed so there is no need to put anything on the skin itself. This not only makes it easier to treat but it addresses the real problem which is actually a problem of the blood quality and immune system and not an external infection.

Rosehip tea made with granules can also be useful;
Dose rate is 2 dessertspoons made into a tea with 1 litre of boiling water and given with feed.