Benzyl Benzoate

[eventerbabe]

The vet recomended we got Kez some benzyl benzoate, just to try and kill off any itchness he may have remaining. Is it simply a case of applying it as it comes? or do i have to dilute it down in something? thanks :)

[Nookster]

I love this stuff.

Benzyl benzoate was originally used to treat scabies in humans - so beware of the funny looks when you ask for it at the local pharmacy.

Some horse owners use it to combat Sweet Itch.

In its neat form it is a transparent liquid with an aromatic smell, but from vets/pharmacies its comes as a diluted milky-white liquid.

Its also used in other horsey products Carr, Day & Martins' 'Kill Itch'

You need to work it in thoroughly into the skin though don't use it if the horse haso broken skin - application should therefore start before symptoms develop in the spring.

Gloves should be worn when applying insecticides including benzyl benzoate - they can cause eye irritation,

[eventerbabe]

thanks for that info nookster :) his skin isn't broken/sore i don't think, but i'll have another check before i apply it!!

[Jessey]

I also use it, from the chemist I just slap it on, you can dilute it further if you find you need to. I just follow the instructions on the bottle for adults :D

[Afellpony]

I used to use this on an Exmoor gelding who used to get sweet itch every summer. It's really effective.

[Wally]

It's not bad stuff, don't get it in your eyes though!

[eventerbabe]

i'll maybe need to take my lab safety specs with me then!! i'll defo need to get some gloves. we've been using a NAF cream that has some benzyl benzoate in it (along with essential oils) but his tail is still a little itchy. He only scrubs it when in the stable though, he's fine in the field :rolleyes:

[Nookster]

Maybe he has more time to think about it in the stable :) to many exciting things outside to worry about his tail then hehe

A girl out our stables uses it. She applys it on her geldling mane and tail with a stiff hoof oil brush which i thought was quite effective.

[india]

I've always got a bottle of Benzle Benzoate in my neds first aid kit. I use it mainly to help stop mane and tail itching.

My friends vet told her it's being taken of the market soon - has anyone else heard anything?

[becs]

Sudocrem contains about 2%, I thought you needed 50 % strength for sweet-itch.

[CurlyWurlyRach]

its brilliant stuff!
It comes diluted, looks like milk and smells nasty!

[chickflick1066]

Ah thanks for this EB, just what I was gonna ask. Stumpy's been chewing her feathers off, so feather mites I guess, and BB is supposed to work fabulously.

[Mary Poppins]

Personally I haven't heard many good things about it. Haven't used it personally but a pony on my yard gets bad sweet itch and they use it on her, but she still itches.

[Denbenj]

I always found it quite effective with my old lad, he had really bad sweet itch, would liturally rub his whole mane and tail of. However I only found it effective when Used regulary in a rountine, rather then a dab here and there on odd occasions.

[chickflick1066]

Is it expensive?

[eventerbabe]

chickflick, we paid £4.40 for a huge bottle of the stuff. Just ask at your chemist :) i've found it to be pretty effective. we apply it nightly to his tail and it's definately stopped him itching so much.

[Miriam]

If you find that does not work (as I did with Rhi) then lgd gave me a great receipe. Half lyclear and half surgical spirit. its fantastic

[becs]

Miriam, could you remind me what Lyclear is please? is a mite shampoo? sounds familiar but can't remember...