Medicines and Products for Itching

The right medicine depends on the cause of itching. Treating the cause works better than only calming the itch.

Skin care first

Regular moisturisers are the base treatment for dry and eczema-related itching.

Common medicines and products

• Calamine lotion or menthol-based lotions: cooling relief for bites and heat rash
• Antihistamine tablets: useful for hives and allergy. Sedating types may help sleep but cause drowsiness, so they are risky before driving and in older adults.
• Topical corticosteroids: for eczema and inflammatory rashes. Use only as prescribed, on the right site and for the stated time.
• Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus): prescription creams for eczema
• Antifungal creams or tablets: for fungal infections
• Permethrin cream and oral ivermectin: for scabies, with treatment of close contacts and washing of clothes and bedding
• Antibiotics: only if the skin is infected
• Other prescription options: for itching from liver, kidney or nerve causes, such as cholestyramine, gabapentin or other medicines chosen by a specialist

Cautions

• Do not use steroid creams on the face, groin or on children without a doctor's advice
• Antihistamines do not help much for itching of kidney, liver or dry skin causes
• Do not apply creams in or near the eyes
• Do not give adult medicines to children. Ask a paediatrician for the dose.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check before using any medicine
• Avoid leftover or borrowed creams

Key point

Match the medicine to the cause. Long-lasting itching deserves a doctor's check, not only repeated creams.

Before your appointment

Note when the itching began, where it is, what makes it better or worse, and whether it is worse at night. List all medicines, creams, herbs and soaps you use, and any new foods or products. Mention others at home with itching, rash, weight loss, night sweats, yellow eyes, dark urine or tiredness. Bring photos of any rash that comes and goes. Ask about tests, the safest treatment and the signs that need urgent care. Call 112 for swelling of the face or lips or trouble breathing.