WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ITCHY SKIN (PRURITUS)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

Creams:

1. Pramoxine Cream OTC (1, 5, 12%): a topical anesthetic. (CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream)

2. Steroid Creams bid {OTC & RX} (e.g. Hydrocortisone Cream)

3. Tacrolimus Ointment {RX} (.03% or .1%) {Works by decreasing the immune system reaction}

4. Capsaicin {OTC} (Topical Anesthetic) DON'T USE ON VERY SENSITIVE SKIN: THIS WILL MAKE YOUR SKIN FEEL VERY HOT

Pills:
1. Zyrtec {OTC}

2. Benadryl {OTC}

3. Fexofenadine {OTC} (Allegra) 60 mg orally 2 times a day

4. Doxepin {RX} (Antidepressant)

5. Gabapentine {RX}100 mg

6. Hydroxyzine ATARAX {RX} 25-50 mg orally once/day

CAUTION:

1. All medications have a risk of side effects, including ointment and lotions.
2. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ITCHY SKIN (PRURITUS)?

Itchy Skin is actually the symptom. It is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that makes a person want to scratch.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF ITCHY SKIN (PRURITUS)?

There are many causes of itchy skin or Pruritus.

1. Skin are many conditions have the symptoms of itching. Some of these are dry skin (Xerosis), eczema
(dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, lice, parasites, burns, scars, insect bites and hives.

2. Certain Illnesses also cause itching. Illnesses such as liver disease, and kidney disease

3. Certain nerve related disorders. Examples are multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster).

4. Some chemicals and fabrics can cause pruritus. Examples are wool, poison ivy, and poison oak.

5. Allergies to both medications and food can cause itchy skin.

HOW IS ITCHY SKIN (PRURITUS) DIAGNOSED?

An itchy skin diagnosis (Pruritus) can be made by a careful history. Sometimes, but not always the cause of the pruritus can be determined.