Treatment and control A number of old remedies, including sump oil, lard and sulphur, have been used by horse owners to relieve the irritation. Some of these have been beneficial, probably because of their fly repellent properties. Corticosteroid ointments are now available which have much greater anti-inflammatory and fly repellent qualities to reduce the skin reaction. But ointment application is limited to small areas. When large areas are involved, parental treatment using antihistamines or corticosteroids under veterinary supervision may be required.
Appropriate insecticides give relief.
The sandflies which cause the itch are present only during the warmer summer months, especially during early evening. Stabling and rugging of the affected horses at these times will greatly reduce the severity of this skin condition. The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries 1998.