Itch pills likeBenadryl(diphenhydramine), a medication used to treat allergies, or natural remedies likecolloidal oatmealproducts, can relieve the irritation and frustration ofitchingfrom various causes. These causes include:Allergic reactionsSkin irritationIllnessThe best way to stop the itch is to figure out what caused it. Then you can find the right treatment(s), whether a home remedy, an over-the-counter itch pill, or a prescription medication with other uses like the anti-anxiety drug Vistaril (hydroxyzine).
Itch pills likeBenadryl(diphenhydramine), a medication used to treat allergies, or natural remedies likecolloidal oatmealproducts, can relieve the irritation and frustration ofitchingfrom various causes. These causes include:
The best way to stop the itch is to figure out what caused it. Then you can find the right treatment(s), whether a home remedy, an over-the-counter itch pill, or a prescription medication with other uses like the anti-anxiety drug Vistaril (hydroxyzine).
Where Are You Itching?Itchy face, eyes, nose.Getty ImagesWhere you itch can offer clues to the cause. It can be in/on your:EyesNoseThroatFaceSkinScalpA skin itch may be all over (generalized) or in one location (localized).LocationCausesSymptomsEyesAllergies (hay fever)Redness, stinging, wateringPink eyeBurning, redness, tearing, blurred vision, swollen eyelids, crusty dischargeCommon coldIrritation, wateringContact lensesIrritation, infectionNoseAllergies (hay fever)Sneezing, congestion, runny noseCommon coldSneezing, congestion, runny noseThroatAllergies (hay fever)Congestion, cough, wheezing, shortness of breathFood allergiesScratchiness, swelling, wheezingCommon coldCough, congestion, sore throatAsthmaCough, tightness, wheezing, shortness of breathFaceAllergies (hay fever)General itchDry skinGeneral itch, flakinessEczemaItchy, red rash, rough or scaly skin, small fluid-filled blisters, cracked skin, oozing, crustingSkinAllergic contact dermatitisRash where allergen touches, local itchDry skinGeneral itch, flakinessEczemaItchy, red rash, rough or scaly skin, small fluid-filled blisters, cracked skin, oozing, crustingFungal infectionExtremely itchy patchesRashMany types exist; may be general or local itch, blisters, discolorationParasitesMany types exist, usually a local itchInsect bites/stingsLocal itch, burning, bump(s) at the siteChickenpoxFluid-filled blisters that scab over; may cover the whole body
Where Are You Itching?
Itchy face, eyes, nose.Getty Images
Where you itch can offer clues to the cause. It can be in/on your:
A skin itch may be all over (generalized) or in one location (localized).
LocationCausesSymptomsEyesAllergies (hay fever)Redness, stinging, wateringPink eyeBurning, redness, tearing, blurred vision, swollen eyelids, crusty dischargeCommon coldIrritation, wateringContact lensesIrritation, infectionNoseAllergies (hay fever)Sneezing, congestion, runny noseCommon coldSneezing, congestion, runny noseThroatAllergies (hay fever)Congestion, cough, wheezing, shortness of breathFood allergiesScratchiness, swelling, wheezingCommon coldCough, congestion, sore throatAsthmaCough, tightness, wheezing, shortness of breathFaceAllergies (hay fever)General itchDry skinGeneral itch, flakinessEczemaItchy, red rash, rough or scaly skin, small fluid-filled blisters, cracked skin, oozing, crustingSkinAllergic contact dermatitisRash where allergen touches, local itchDry skinGeneral itch, flakinessEczemaItchy, red rash, rough or scaly skin, small fluid-filled blisters, cracked skin, oozing, crustingFungal infectionExtremely itchy patchesRashMany types exist; may be general or local itch, blisters, discolorationParasitesMany types exist, usually a local itchInsect bites/stingsLocal itch, burning, bump(s) at the siteChickenpoxFluid-filled blisters that scab over; may cover the whole body
Causes
Itchy nose.Getty Images
Some common causes of itching include:
An itch in your genital area could be from several types of infections, from basic skin irritation to asexually transmitted infection(STI).
Itch Pills (OTC and Prescribed)
Allergy medication.BSIP/UIG/Getty Images
Once you know what’s causing the itch, you can figure out how to treat it. Medications that help relieve itching include:
Studies of over-the-counter drugs used to treat people with urticaria (an itchy rash known as hives) found certain products more effective than others in delivering symptom relief. The strongest over-the-counter itch pills included Xyzal (levocetirizine), but more research is needed.
In some cases, medications used to treat depression are used to deal with chronic itching. Antidepressants including Zoloft (sertraline) andElavil(amitriptyline) have been studied as itch pills, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits.
What Stops Itching at Night?
Treating Itchiness Naturally (Without Medication)Lotion or moisturizer may help with itching skin.RunPhoto/Taxi Japan/Getty ImagesThere are plenty of non-drug options as well. Many things can help soothe your itchy skin including:Cold compressesLukewarm bathsLotions or moisturizersMild soapOatmeal bathIf you itch because of dry skin, moisturizing with a cream or petroleum-based moisturizer may bring relief.Things to avoid if you have itchy skin include:Irritating fabrics, especially wool andpolyesterHigh heatHumidityLong hot baths, which can dry your skinBubble bathsPowdersCornstarchScratchingIt may be hard not to scratch. But that can irritate your skin more. It may also spread the problem and put you at risk ofinfection.For poison ivy, try calamine lotion, an oral antihistamine, or hydrocortisone cream. Lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal or a cup of baking soda can ease your itching.You also can try essential oils, like diluted peppermint oil, which can serve as a remedy for various causes of itchy skin.
Treating Itchiness Naturally (Without Medication)
Lotion or moisturizer may help with itching skin.RunPhoto/Taxi Japan/Getty Images
There are plenty of non-drug options as well. Many things can help soothe your itchy skin including:
If you itch because of dry skin, moisturizing with a cream or petroleum-based moisturizer may bring relief.
Things to avoid if you have itchy skin include:
It may be hard not to scratch. But that can irritate your skin more. It may also spread the problem and put you at risk ofinfection.
For poison ivy, try calamine lotion, an oral antihistamine, or hydrocortisone cream. Lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal or a cup of baking soda can ease your itching.You also can try essential oils, like diluted peppermint oil, which can serve as a remedy for various causes of itchy skin.
SummaryItches come from many causes. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications, including itch pills and creams, can relieve some types of itch. Home remedies can help, too.Speak to your healthcare provider about symptoms and treatment options. Avoid things that irritate your skin. Try not to scratch, and take the time to figure out the cause and the correct treatments. That’s the best way to get relief.
Summary
Itches come from many causes. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications, including itch pills and creams, can relieve some types of itch. Home remedies can help, too.
Speak to your healthcare provider about symptoms and treatment options. Avoid things that irritate your skin. Try not to scratch, and take the time to figure out the cause and the correct treatments. That’s the best way to get relief.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.What makes us itch?Rathi VM, Murthy SI.Allergic conjunctivitis.Community Eye Health. 2017;30(99):S7-S10.CDC.The difference between cold and flu.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy symptoms.Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6CDC.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936National Eczema Association.Over-the-counter treatments for eczema.Phinyo P, Koompawichit P, Nochaiwong S, Tovanabutra N, Chiewchanvit S, Chuamanochan M.Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Licensed Dose Second-Generation Antihistamines in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Network Meta-Analysis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Feb;9(2):956-970.e57. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.055.American Academy of Family Physicians.Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application.Cevikbas F, Lerner EA.Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch.Physiol Rev. 2020 Jul 1;100(3):945-982. doi:10.1152/physrev.00017.2019Kouwenhoven TA, van de Kerkhof PCM, Kamsteeg M.Use of oral antidepressants in patients with chronic pruritus: A systematic review.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Dec;77(6):1068-1073.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.025.National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and bathing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.Elsaie LT, Mohsen AME, Ibrahim IM, Mohey-Eddin MH, Elsaie ML.Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus.CCID. 2016;9:333-338. doi:10.2147/CCID.S116995Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Family Physicians.Pruritis.National Cancer Institute.Pruritis (PDQ).National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.What makes us itch?Rathi VM, Murthy SI.Allergic conjunctivitis.Community Eye Health. 2017;30(99):S7-S10.CDC.The difference between cold and flu.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy symptoms.Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6CDC.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936National Eczema Association.Over-the-counter treatments for eczema.Phinyo P, Koompawichit P, Nochaiwong S, Tovanabutra N, Chiewchanvit S, Chuamanochan M.Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Licensed Dose Second-Generation Antihistamines in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Network Meta-Analysis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Feb;9(2):956-970.e57. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.055.American Academy of Family Physicians.Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application.Cevikbas F, Lerner EA.Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch.Physiol Rev. 2020 Jul 1;100(3):945-982. doi:10.1152/physrev.00017.2019Kouwenhoven TA, van de Kerkhof PCM, Kamsteeg M.Use of oral antidepressants in patients with chronic pruritus: A systematic review.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Dec;77(6):1068-1073.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.025.National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and bathing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.Elsaie LT, Mohsen AME, Ibrahim IM, Mohey-Eddin MH, Elsaie ML.Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus.CCID. 2016;9:333-338. doi:10.2147/CCID.S116995Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Family Physicians.Pruritis.National Cancer Institute.Pruritis (PDQ).National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.What makes us itch?Rathi VM, Murthy SI.Allergic conjunctivitis.Community Eye Health. 2017;30(99):S7-S10.CDC.The difference between cold and flu.American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy symptoms.Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6CDC.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936National Eczema Association.Over-the-counter treatments for eczema.Phinyo P, Koompawichit P, Nochaiwong S, Tovanabutra N, Chiewchanvit S, Chuamanochan M.Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Licensed Dose Second-Generation Antihistamines in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Network Meta-Analysis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Feb;9(2):956-970.e57. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.055.American Academy of Family Physicians.Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application.Cevikbas F, Lerner EA.Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch.Physiol Rev. 2020 Jul 1;100(3):945-982. doi:10.1152/physrev.00017.2019Kouwenhoven TA, van de Kerkhof PCM, Kamsteeg M.Use of oral antidepressants in patients with chronic pruritus: A systematic review.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Dec;77(6):1068-1073.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.025.National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and bathing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.Elsaie LT, Mohsen AME, Ibrahim IM, Mohey-Eddin MH, Elsaie ML.Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus.CCID. 2016;9:333-338. doi:10.2147/CCID.S116995
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.What makes us itch?
Rathi VM, Murthy SI.Allergic conjunctivitis.Community Eye Health. 2017;30(99):S7-S10.
CDC.The difference between cold and flu.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Allergy symptoms.
Kapur S, Watson W, Carr S.Atopic dermatitis.Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):52. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0281-6
CDC.Chickenpox symptoms and complications.
Song J, Xian D, Yang L, Xiong X, Lai R, Zhong J.Pruritus: Progress toward pathogenesis and treatment.BioMed Research International. 2018;2018:1-12. doi:10.1155/2018/9625936
National Eczema Association.Over-the-counter treatments for eczema.
Phinyo P, Koompawichit P, Nochaiwong S, Tovanabutra N, Chiewchanvit S, Chuamanochan M.Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Licensed Dose Second-Generation Antihistamines in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Network Meta-Analysis.J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021 Feb;9(2):956-970.e57. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.055.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application.
Cevikbas F, Lerner EA.Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch.Physiol Rev. 2020 Jul 1;100(3):945-982. doi:10.1152/physrev.00017.2019
Kouwenhoven TA, van de Kerkhof PCM, Kamsteeg M.Use of oral antidepressants in patients with chronic pruritus: A systematic review.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Dec;77(6):1068-1073.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.025.
National Eczema Foundation.Eczema and bathing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.
Elsaie LT, Mohsen AME, Ibrahim IM, Mohey-Eddin MH, Elsaie ML.Effectiveness of topical peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of chronic pruritus.CCID. 2016;9:333-338. doi:10.2147/CCID.S116995
American Academy of Family Physicians.Pruritis.National Cancer Institute.Pruritis (PDQ).National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Pruritis.
National Cancer Institute.Pruritis (PDQ).
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Itching.
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