Itchy Skin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Itchy skin may interfere with your daily tasks and sleep. Treatment is important because constant scratching can damage your skin and increase your risk of infection.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Medicines may help decrease itching or inflammation. Skin creams, such as steroid creams or anti-itch creams may also help.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Zyrtec
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or ...
Xolair
Xolair injection (omalizumab) is used to reduce the risk of severe food allergy reactions ...
Benlysta
Benlysta infusion is used to treat active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus ...
Allegra
Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and other ...
Dupixent
Dupixent is used to treat eczema, eosinophilic or oral-corticosteroid-dependent asthma, chronic ...
Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine and is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching and other ...
Claritin
Claritin is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery ...
Xyzal
Xyzal (levocetirizine) is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose ...
Famotidine
Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Learn about side ...
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Manage itchy skin:
- Take short showers in warm water. Avoid using hot water for your showers. Use only a small amount of mild skin cleanser.
- Apply moisturizer or cooling creams after you bathe and throughout the day.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to moisten the air in your home and maintain a cool temperature. Cool, humid air can decrease skin dryness and itching.
- Avoid allergens and skin irritants. Do not use perfume, fabric softener, or makeup that irritates your skin. Use a mild detergent to wash your clothes. Wear loose cotton clothes and use cotton sheets. Avoid wool.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Your itching does not improve or gets worse.
- Scratching has caused your skin to be red or swollen.
- You have new symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, changes in urination, or fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Itchy Skin
Treatment options
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.