How does itching cream work

This type of oatmeal is made from oats that have been ground into a very fine powder. A natural product used in many types of soaps and lotions, it can also be added to a cool bath. One study found that this product is safe and helps treat itchiness from any variety of causes. You can find colloidal oatmeal at many pharmacies, or make your own by grinding oats into a fine powder.

Buy colloidal oatmeal online today. Try a plant-based product like aloe vera gel or cooling menthol for simple itches caused by sunburns or mosquito bites. Menthol, which produces a cooling effect, is made from the peppermint plant.

Topical menthol should be used with caution due to the possibility of it being an irritant to the skin if not diluted. Both of these products can be purchased at most drug stores.

Shop for aloe vera gel and topical menthol. Good quality moisturizers hold water in the outermost layer of your skin. This can help your skin feel hydrated and less dry and itchy. Examples of high-quality moisturizers include brands like Eucerin and Cetaphil. Find them online now. The Mayo Clinic recommends a simple solution for mosquito bites: a cold pack or a bag filled with ice. The key, as you might have noticed, is cold. Avoid exposing the affected area to hot water as much as possible.

It will further irritate the itching skin. Histamines are chemicals in the body that cause allergy symptoms , including itching. An antihistamine is a common treatment for allergic reactions. One study from recommends applying topical antihistamines directly to the affected area to avoid side effects associated with oral antihistamines.

An anti-itch cream is another common way to soothe itchy skin. Get an anti-itch cream that contains at least 1 percent hydrocortisone.

This drug inhibits inflammatory responses in the body and can help calm inflamed, itchy skin. This cream should be used for the shortest period possible and then discontinued. Anti-itch creams are available over-the-counter. Depending on their ingredients, some products are better suited for targeting a certain type of itch over others. For instance, if you're dealing with pesky bug bites, you might be better off with a steroid cream that can relieve occasional itchiness, while someone looking for a solution to their eczema would go with a steroid-free product that can be used long-term.

According to dermatologist Hadley King , MD, if dry skin is your main issue, "humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, emollients like ceramides and triglycerides, and occlusives like petrolatum or coconut oil" can help target the cause of your itchiness. Additionally, she recommends ingredients like menthol and camphor if you want an instant cooling effect, and hydrocortisone for reducing inflammation—although the latter should not be used regularly so it's not the best choice for chronic conditions.

Dermatologist Marie Hayag , MD, also suggests colloidal oatmeal, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and the topical version of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine. When applied topically in the form of a cream, gel, or lotion, these ingredients are effective in treating itchiness. This is often aggravated when the skin barrier is disrupted, leading to microscopic cracks in the outer skin layer, loss of hydration and inflammation," explains dermatologist Joshua Zeichner , MD.

If you're looking for relief, keep reading to learn more about the best anti-itch creams you can buy now, according to dermatologists. Hayag also recommends Cortizone and says that it can be used up to twice a day, but warns not to use it for an extended period of time because it's a steroid.

Dermatologist Jaydeep Tripathy , MD, calls this non-prescription cream his top recommendation. If you're deeping with dryness, don't underestimate the effectiveness of good old petroleum jelly. Zeichner tells Health. Apply a thin layer to the skin twice daily or more often as needed. Several dermatologists, including dermatologist Jeremy Fenton , MD, medical director at Schweiger Dermatology Group , recommend Sarna's anti-itch lotion as another steroid-free option.

This product is great because it treats dry skin, insect bites, sunburn, and poison ivy," says dermatologist Michele Green, MD. Colloidal oatmeal is the active ingredient in this steroid-free lotion, which comes highly recommended by plastic surgeon and skincare specialist Alexis Parcells , MD. Fenton adds that, when combined with a thick moisturizer, colloidal oatmeal hydrates the skin, which in turn reduces itching. This vegan formula also contains soothing aloe vera and lavender oil, which has the bonus benefit of aromatherapy.

If you have especially sensitive skin, then this alternative to Sarna's original lotion may be better suited to your needs, according to Dr. French 1. Submission Date:. Great product What are your symptoms? Review Questions:. Allergic Reactions: Seasonal. How Long: years. Gender: Male. Age: Review Text:. It's now something we carry with us regularly when outdoors. Relieves symptoms:.

Yes I just reviewed your itch stick but I meant your itch cream. What are your symptoms? Allergic Reactions: Unexpected allergic reactions. How Long: Under 1 year. Age: Over Amasing product with results in one day after suffering for at least one year. I slept last nigh itch free.

Bryzie Ratings Overall: 1 2 3 4 5. No Great for people hypersensitive to bug bites!! Gender: Female. My daughter is extremely sensitive to bug bites especially mosquito. The minute she gets bitten, the bite swells up to several inches or more across. I've even taken her to the hospital for bites that have covered up to 5 inches of her leg. This cream works wonders! Within 30 minutes of application, her bites shrink and look like any normal person's day-old bug bites.