Summer Itch Relief Balm - The Solid Bar Company

If your horse is rubbing, scratching, and miserable from sweet itch, you need something that works from the first application.

Our Summer Itch Relief Balm is a concentrated, natural balm formulated specifically for horses suffering from sweet itch — the intensely itchy allergic reaction caused by Culicoides midge bites that affects around 5% of UK horses each year, typically between March and October.

Unlike creams that wash off quickly or sprays that evaporate, this solid balm clings to the affected skin, creating a breathable, water-resistant barrier that keeps on working even after rain or sweating.

Our customer Natasha wrote: "After multiple vet visits and injections for her sweet itch, I can say this balm has offered so much relief — even after the first application a difference was noticed." You can see photographs she took of her horse added to the review below.

What it does:

• Soothes the itch fast — works from the first application; designed to interrupt the itch-rub-scratch cycle that causes further skin damage. Giving sweet relief for itchy horses.
• Anti-inflammatory — natural ingredients help calm the inflammation response that makes sweet itch so distressing
• Repels midges — acts as a secondary deterrent on already-affected areas, helping prevent re-biting of irritated skin
• Protects damaged skin — the water-resistant barrier helps shield sore, broken skin while it recovers
• Breathable formula — won't suffocate the skin or trap heat; comfortable for horses to wear throughout the day
• Long-lasting — stays active longer than standard creams; typical twice-daily application during peak season

Key Ingredients:

• Infused Juniper (in local Oxfordshire rapeseed oil) — traditionally used for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties; the juniper is grown and infused in-house
• Neem Oil — natural Ayurvedic ingredient with documented antibacterial and antifungal properties; also a secondary insect deterrent
• Zinc Oxide — creates the water-resistant protective barrier; soothes and protects irritated skin
• Natural Essential Oils — selected for their calming and repellent properties
• Vegetable Wax & Coconut Oil — food-grade, breathable base that allows the balm to stay solid and easy to apply without melting in warm conditions

How to use: Apply liberally to affected areas (mane crest, tail base, belly, face) twice daily. Continue treatment for several days after the itch stops to prevent recurrence. Always seek veterinary advice if symptoms are severe or persist.

FEI-compliant. 100% natural, vegan, palm oil-free, UK-made. No parabens, no SLS, no synthetic chemicals.

Pair with our Equine No Fly Bar for complete protection — the No Fly Bar deters midges from biting in the first place, while this balm treats the affected areas where biting has already occurred.

Q: What is sweet itch and will this actually help?

A: Sweet itch is an allergic reaction to the saliva of Culicoides midges, causing intense itching, hair loss, and skin damage. There is no cure, but the right combination of protection and treatment significantly reduces suffering. This balm addresses the skin-level symptoms — soothing inflammation, protecting damaged skin, and deterring further biting. 

Q: When should I start using it in the season?

A: Ideally before symptoms appear — from March or early April in most UK regions. If sweet itch has already started, begin treatment immediately and continue until after symptoms fully subside in autumn.

Q: How often do I need to apply it?

A: Twice daily during peak midge season (May–September), focusing on the areas your horse targets most — typically the mane crest, tail base, and belly. In milder periods, once daily may be sufficient to maintain protection.

Q: Is it safe to use on broken skin?

A: Yes — the formula is designed to be gentle enough for use on already-irritated or mildly broken skin. For open wounds or severe lesions, consult your vet first.

Q: Can I use it alongside veterinary-prescribed treatments?

A: Generally yes, as a complementary product. Always inform your vet of products you're using. This balm contains no corticosteroids and won't interfere with most topical veterinary treatments.

Q: Which size should I choose?

A: The Standard 200g is the better choice for horses with established sweet itch — you'll use it regularly for several months. The Small 80g is a good option to try first, or for targeted spot-treatment on horses with mild symptoms.

Be sure to read our latest all encompassing Sweet Itch Treatment UK Guide here!