Sunday, March 24, 2024
HomeCreamOver The Counter Anti Itch Cream For Eczema

Over The Counter Anti Itch Cream For Eczema

What Ingredients Should You Look For In An Anti

DIY Anti-Itch Eczema Cream

Among some popular ingredients include hydrocortisone, a steroid that helps calm your skin’s response to itching. It also has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a great active ingredient for helping with itchy skin across the board. But if you would rather not use a steroid, look for pramoxine or menthol , according to Dr. Cybele Fishman M.D., a board certified dermatologist at Integrative Dermatology. And for those with eczema, Fishman recommends using products with colloidal oatmeal to help relieve irritated skin.

As a word of caution, anyone who is experiencing itchy skin when they’re pregnant, it’s wise to check with your doctor to see if an anti-cream is truly what you need. Depending on the person, continuous itching during pregnancy could indicate a larger health problem, Gohara notes. The same goes for non-pregnant folks, toocontinuous itching may be a symptom of something more serious, so it’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned. We also advocate for seeking medical attention if your itching may be the result of a serious allergy or reactionbetter safe than sorry.

For those looking for ways to help manage the constant scratching, take a look at some of the best anti-itch creams available on the internet.

Lactobacillus Overgrowth Or Cytolytic Vaginosis

Lactobacillus overgrowth syndrome or cytolytic vaginosis is often wrongly diagnosed as vaginal candidiasis .

Symptoms: white discharge, vaginal itching, burning during urination, painful sex.

Diagnosis: Elevated Lactobacilli in vaginal swab, low pH .

Treatment includes vaginal irrigation with sodium bicarbonate or sitz baths with baking soda.

How Long To Use It For

Most people only need to use hydrocortisone skin treatments for a short time. Stop as soon as your skin is better. Sometimes you only need to use the skin treatments for a few days.

For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you’ll probably only need to use a skin cream for up to 1 week.

For long-term skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use treatments for longer.

If you buy hydrocortisone from a pharmacy or shop, do not use it for more than 1 week without talking to your doctor.

Recommended Reading: Best Makeup Remover For Eczema Skin

Oral And Injected Medications

If symptoms of eczema and dermatitis are not relieved by topical medications, doctors may recommend stronger medications that are taken by mouth or injected into the skin.

In many instances, oral medications are prescribed for a short period to help get symptoms under control, and treatment then, ideally, shifts to management using topical medications and at-home therapies. But for severe eczema or dermatitis that is unresponsive to other treatment and causes persistent symptoms that interfere with your everyday life, some medications may be prescribed for months or years.

What The Rash Looks Like

Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Hydrocortisone Anti

Some rashes can be treated easily with over-the-counter treatment. If you have a rash that looks just like a picture of poison ivy, then there’s a good chance that you have poison ivy.

But sometimes you can’t find a picture or description that exactly matches your skin’s appearance. Or your rash might resemble two or three different conditions. It’s better to get a professional opinion and to start on the right treatment sooner rather than later.

Recommended Reading: Can Black People Get Eczema

How To Use Hydrocortisone Skin Lotion

Lotion is better for treating large or hairier areas of skin.

You will usually use hydrocortisone skin lotion once or twice a day.

Use a small amount of lotion on the affected areas of skin.

  • Wash and dry your hands.
  • Spread the lotion in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
  • Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction that your hair grows.
  • Use the lotion on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
  • Be careful not to get the lotion on broken skin or cuts.
  • Wash your hands afterwards .
  • Pick The Right Product

    Here, the active ingredients you’re likely to see on labels and how to choose wisely.

    Hydrocortisone: The 1 percent strength of this steroid cream, which eases itch by reducing inflammation, is in a slew of OTC itch products, such as Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Ointment, and generics.

    If clearing up dry skin doesnt reduce the need to scratch in a few days, hydrocortisone is a good choice,” says Ethan Lerner, MD, PhD, and associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, whose lab at Massachusetts General Hospital studies skin itching. “Its also good for itchy rashessuch as skin reactions due to nickel in jewelry, buckles and snaps on clothing, and to irritants in laundry products. Drugstore hydrocortisone can help to soothe anal itching and discomfort from psoriasis and eczema as well.

    Skip hydrocortisone for itching around your toes or in your vaginal area or groin, which might be caused by a fungal infection. Corticosteroids can actually make these infections worse by reducing immunity, so the fungus can thrive, Lerner says. Choose an antifungal product designed for your itching problem instead.

    Diphenhydramine: Itch creams, gels, and sprays containing this antihistamine, such as Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream and generics, work by blocking the itchy effects of histamine, a compound produced in the skin during an allergic reaction.

    Don’t Miss: What Is The New Pill For Eczema

    Things To Consider When Buying Over

    • Skin condition:

    It is so important to know exactly what is irritating your skin. Often, we need to simply tweak our daily habits, diets or sleep cycles to keep our bodies healthy and happy. But sometimes, it takes a little help from a medical professional. If you have persistent skin allergies and problems, consult a dermatologist and get tested. If you do, in fact, have eczema or dermatitis, then you know youll need a cream to relieve the symptoms, isolate the problem and help your skin heal and regenerate.

    • Skin needs :

    Just like every individual is different, so is every individual need. The last thing you should do is buy a generic product that you believe will solve your problems. Eczemas have a variety of symptoms and each body reacts differently to skin irritation. Some have breakouts or rashes. Others develop inflamed red patchy skin. Then there are breakages on excessively dry skin and skin tears may even cause bleeding. So it is crucial you identify what exactly is bothering your skin the most. This will help you decide what kind of over-the-counter eczema treatment is ideal for you.

    • Ingredients :

    Things To Consider With Otc Products

    Best Eczema Cream

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration decides whether a medicine is safe enough to sell over the counter. However, using OTC medicines still has potential risks. Some interact with other prescription or OTC medicines, supplements, foods or beverages. Others cause problems for people with certain medical conditions. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any OTC medicines for eczema.

    Its important to correctly follow directions for OTC medicines and be careful when administering them to children. You should never take OTC eczema drugs for longer durations or in higher doses than the product label recommends.

    Some common OTC treatments for eczema include:

    You May Like: Chinese Herbal Tea For Eczema

    Possible Risks Associated With Otc Medications

    One MyEczemaTeam member shared their success with OTC medications, âFor many people, over-the-counter remedies are more beneficial than prescription meds. Iâm not discouraging prescription options for those that need them, but some of them pose side effects.â But OTC products are not without their risks, too.

    It is always important to follow the labelâs instructions when taking any type of OTC medication. Using them off-label, underdosing, or overdosing can be both dangerous and lead to harmful side effects in some people.

    Certain OTC medications can interact with other medications you may be taking. You should always consult your doctor before applying topical hydrocortisone or taking antihistamines, pain relievers, or other medicated treatments.

    Another MyEczemaTeam member shared their caution about using OTC medications: âI have to watch what medications I take because so many over-the-counter medications work against the medications I take now for epilepsy.â

    Potential drug interactions aside, possible side effects of OTC topical steroids include:

    • Cracked skin

    Best For Your Torso: Isdin Uradin Lotion10

    While urea may not be one of the FDA-approved psoriasis ingredients, Birnbaum says its still a good choice: Moisturizers that include urea are very beneficial for psoriasis as they exfoliate while enhancing the barrier of the skin. This is one of her favorites, and we especially like it for slathering onto the chest, stomach, and back, areas where you definitely dont want any kind of lingering greasy residue.

    Another pick with urea, grab this the next time youre at the drugstore and slather it on from head to toe. Along with the smoothing, exfoliating benefits of the urea, its also super hydrating, not to mention, fragrance-, dye-, and paraben-free, all important qualities to seek out in a product when you have psoriasis.

    You May Like: Can Eczema Turn Into Psoriasis

    Vaginal Yeast Infection Vaginal Thrush Or Vaginal Candidiasis

    Causes of vaginal yeast infection in pregnancy include constant moist in the groin due to tight clothes, treatment with steroids or antibiotics, and gestational diabetes. It is not transmitted by a sexual contact . Measuring vaginal pH may help in diagnosis .

    Symptoms: vaginal and labial itch, burning during urination, painful sex, redness or swelling of vulva, eventual scaly rash around the vulva, thick cotton cheese-like discharge .

    When: at any time during pregnancy.

    Prevention: Wear 100% cotton underwear and keep the area dry, avoid vaginal irrigation .

    Treatment: Anti-fungal ointments or suppositories containing clotrimazole. Probably NOT effective: yoghurt, low-sugar diet, natural remedies .

    Eczema In Teens And Adults

    Good Anti Itch Creams For Eczema

    While most people outgrow atopic dermatitis by the time they are teenagers, it can persist into adulthood. For others, childhood eczema that had cleared up years prior may reemerge.

    Eczema can also develop for the very first time in adulthood this is called adult-onset eczema. Some of the prime years for developing adult-onset eczema include middle age and older. Skin naturally becomes drier as people get older, leaving it more vulnerable.

    In teens and adults, eczema classically involves:

    • Creases of the elbows
    • Around the eyes or on the eyelids
    • Nipples

    Eczema most often affects areas exposed to allergens or irritants, as well as flexural areas that are easily scratched. Adults may find their skin becomes thickened and leathery-looking in areas affected by the rash.

    There are other skin conditions that look very similar to eczema, including contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you develop rash symptoms for the first time as an adult to ensure you get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

    Don’t Miss: Eczema On Hands Not Going Away

    Who Can And Cannot Use Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments

    Most adults and children aged 10 years and over can use hydrocortisone skin treatments.

    Do not use hydrocortisone skin treatments on children under 10 years old unless their doctor recommends it.

    Hydrocortisone is not suitable for some people. Tell your pharmacist or doctor before starting the medicine if you:

    • have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or any other medicine
    • have a skin infection or eye infection
    • are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you’re breastfeeding

    How To Use Skin Cream Or Ointment

  • Wash and dry your hands and then squeeze out the right amount.
  • Spread the cream or ointment in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
  • Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction the hair grows until it disappears.
  • Use the cream on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
  • Be careful not to get the cream into broken skin or cuts.
  • Wash your hands afterwards .
  • You May Like: Can You Use Vaseline On Eczema

    Try A Couple Of Simple Steps First

    Its fine to try an OTC itch reliever right away for bug bites and rashes. For other problems, keeping itchy skin cool could ease the urge to scratch a little, Yosipovitch says. Turn on a fan or air conditioning in hot weather or sleep with your itchy body part outside the covers at night, for instance. Sometimes ice water compresses can help soothe itchy skin, and sometimes cold plain yogurt or cold cows milk compresses can relieve mild itch without needing any over-the-counter or prescription medications, Krant says.

    And no matter what’s behind the itch, using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer two to three times a day could help.

    If it’s simple dryness causing your itch, use soaps and body washes that are mild, unscented, and free of alcohol. Because soap and water can wash away protective skin-surface oils, keep baths and showers short, and use tepid water. Moisturize afterward, while skin is still slightly damp. Skip long, hot showers and large amounts of soap. Both can dry your skin, leading to itching, Krant says.

    If gentle skin care and plenty of moisturizer are not helping your itch, it may be time to try an OTC anti-itch product,” Krant says.

    How Antihistamines May Help Take The Itch Out Of Eczema

    3 Best Over the Counter Creams For Eczema

    While these common drugs arent a cure-all for eczema, they may help you put the brakes on itchy skin, a common eczema symptom.

    Unbearably itchy skin is a very common eczema symptom. Nonetheless, scratching only makes the skin condition worse and invites infection, according to Harvard Health Publishing. When itching is very troublesome, eczema treatment often includes oral antihistamines , which are drugs used to stop the itch-scratch cycle of eczema that can bother you in the day and even keep you up at night.

    While antihistamines won’t stop the eczema flare-ups from happening, they will help to relieve some of the itchiness, and itchiness is the No. 1 complaint I hear from my patients with eczema, says Debra Wattenberg, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City.

    Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common type of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association, and is considered similar to an allergic condition.

    In the case of allergies, the body mistakes harmless substances like pollen or dust mites as a threat and releases histamine, an immune system protein that helps protect cells from infection, to fight them off, according to the Mayo Clinic. Allergic symptoms like itchy eyes and skin can result.

    Antihistamine drugs are often used to treat allergic conditions. They block the effects of histamine to provide relief, per the Cleveland Clinic.

    Don’t Miss: A Good Soap For Eczema

    Pregnancy Category C Anti

    Pregnancy category C drugs are drugs that had harmful effects in studies on the animal fetuses, but no harmful effects on the human fetuses were found, mainly due to lack of studies. So, the category C drugs are not proven harmful for the fetus, but the harm cannot be excluded. Do not use pills or skin products that contain the following category C substances without speaking with your doctor:

    • Amonium lactate
    • Benzocaine cream
    • Butoconazole vaginal
    • Calcipotriene cream
    • Camphor ointment
    • Coal tar
    • Gabapentin
    • Pimecrolimus cream
    • Pramoxine cream
    • Steroids:
    • Mild:
    • Hydrocortisone cream is a mild steroid for skin inflammation, such as eczema. When you use it for a localized rash, you do not need to expect any significant side effects . It is available over-the-counter.
    • Hydrocortisone rectal . Side effects may include rectal burning, increased hair grow .
  • Moderate:
  • Triamcinolone topical . Side effects may include blurred vision, irregular heartbeats, mood changes, insomnia, weight gain, feeling tired, skin peeling or thinning, stretch marks, acne-like rash .
  • Strong:
  • Betamethasone topical. Side effects as in triamcinolone .
  • Prednisone pills. Side effects as in moderate steroids plus possible swelling, high blood pressure, headache, nausea, deposition of fat in your face and waist, increased facial hair. The risk of side effects increases with the duration of treatment. Possible harms for the baby: pre-term delivery, low-birth weight .
  • Tacrolimus cream
  • Tretinoine cream
  • Urea cream
  • Zinc oxide
  • Surprising Ways Parents Make Eczema Itchier

    Some itch-relieving techniques that people use can make eczema itchier. To prevent this, dermatologists recommend that you avoid:

  • Telling your child to stop scratching: This rarely works and can leave your child feeling stressed. Stress can cause eczema to flare.

  • Using anti-itch products: This may seem strange, but anti-itch products often fail to relieve itchy eczema. To make matters worse, some contain ingredients that can cause eczema to flare. Only use an anti-itch product if your childs dermatologist recommends one.

  • Recommended Reading: Can Eczema Occur At Any Age

    Prevent Skin Damage Caused By Scratching

    Constant scratching can break the skin. To prevent bleeding and an infection, dermatologists recommend the following:

  • Keep your child’s nails short: Checking nails after your child’s bath lets you know when the nails need trimming.

  • Cover itchy skin: When skin is covered, children seem less likely to scratch. When dressing your child, be sure to:

  • Dress your child in lose-fitting clothes made from a soft, natural fiber-like cotton, a cotton blend, silk, or bamboo.

  • Consider using eczema mittens and eczema sleeves.

  • Eczema mittens can be effective when eczema flares on your baby’s face. Your baby may still scratch, but the scratching will cause less damage because the fingernails cannot dig into the skin.

    Itch relief can be fickle

    You may find that a technique works one day and not the next. If one technique fails, try another.

    Related AAD resources

    ReferencesEichenfield, LF, Tom WL, et al. Part 2: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jul 71:116-32.

    Sidbury R, Tom WL, et al. Part 4: Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Part 4: Prevention of disease flares and use of adjunctive therapies and approaches. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014: 71 1218-33.

    All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

    RELATED ARTICLES

    How To Treat Bad Eczema

    Can Eczema Lead To Psoriasis

    Best Night Cream For Eczema

    Most Popular

    How To Treat Bad Eczema

    Common Places To Get Eczema

    Best Face Cream For Eczema