Horse itch is often a response to an allergic reaction,
insect bites and/or a food problem.
In both cases, the symptoms are identical. Rubbing of the mane and tail, back, withers, biting on the limbs, chest, flanks... The belly line of the horse can also be an area particularly appreciated by insects.
The use of a soothing product is essential because it will minimize the damage caused by scratching.
The early use of a soothing (anti-itch) product is essential because it will minimize the damage caused by scratching and rubbing.
Itchiness...
STEP 1: Identify the itchy area. Use either a lotion for the mane and tale or a cream for the belly, ears, face etc
⚫️ ⚪️ The skin of the neckline tells you the nature of your horse's skin (see pictures below). Identifying correctly the skin thickness is important as it indicates which anti-itch product will be the most suitable for your horse. If the lotion is too oily, it will clog the skin making the area sensitive. If too light, the effect will be less.
DERFEN ORIGINAL was designed for thin skin and DERFEN CLEAR for thick skin.
Mane and tail = Derfen™ Lotion
Belly, face, ears= Derfen™ Cream
What kind of skin does my horse have ? Thin or thick ?
Finding out couldn’t be easier: pinch the skin on your horse’s neck between thumb and forefinger. If you have picked up a narrow fold of skin , then your horse has thin skin. If, on the other hand, you have a wider fold of skin , the skin is more likely to be thick.
Usually, when a horse has dermatitis ( sweet itch), we tend to focus on the irritated thick skin, but that’s just the result of all the scratching and doesn’t represent the true identity of the epidermis.(skin)
Depending on your horse’s skin-type, choose the appropriate Derfen™ lotion
Thick skin = Derfen™ Clear
Derfen™ Clear is perfect for thick skin ( Haflinger, Canadian horses, Draft etc). As it is highly enriched with essential fatty acids, it substantially hydrates cracked skin whilst instantly relieving itching on the mane and tail. Derfen does not contain water, it stays on the skin , that is why an application once or twice a week is all you need.
Thin skin = Derfen™ Original
Derfen™ ORIGINAL, the very first of the Derfen™ range, is the perfect lotion for thin-skinned horses, such as Andalusians, Arabians, Spanish, etc. It contains ultra-soothing dry oils that don’t clog up thin skin. Dry , thin skin can't retain conventional oils for extended period. Derfen does not contain water, it stays on the skin , that is why an application once or twice a week is all you need.
Choose the right Derfen™ cream
Derfen™ Clear cream is perfect for thick skin horse ( draft, Canadian horse, Ponies, Warmblood, etc). It is a clear cream with a mild smell . It stimulates skin hydration and brings instant relief. Derfen™ Clear cream can be applied under the belly, inside the ears (upper third), on the head (avoid eyes and brows), on the legs, etc.
Derfen™ ORIGINAL cream, or “D.O.C”, is black in colour with a strong smell but it has an incredible effect on the itchiness. Recommended for ¨thin skin ¨horses. (Spanish, Arabian)
Bath your horse regularly with a calming shampoo (Tea Tree Shampoo)
