Itching Relief

Try these tips to help relieve itching from a rash.

• Avoid scratching as much as you can. Scratching leads to more scratching. Cut nails short or wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching.
• Keep cool, and stay out of the sun. Heat makes itching worse.
• Keep the itchy area cool and moist. Put cool cloths on the rash a few times a day. Too much wetting and drying will dry the skin, which can increase itching.
• Add a handful of oatmeal (ground to a powder) to your bath. Or you can try an oatmeal bath product, such as Aveeno.
• Wear cotton clothing. Don't wear wool and synthetic fabrics next to your skin.
• Choose a mild skin cleanser instead of soap. Don't use deodorant soaps.
• Wash your clothes with a mild soap, rather than a detergent. Try using ones like CheerFree or Ecover. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the soap. Don't use strong detergents.
• Don't let the skin get too dry. Dry skin may make itching worse.
• Try over-the-counter medicines for itching. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Try calamine lotion for a rash caused by contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or poison oak rashes.
  • For severe itching from contact dermatitis, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream until the itch is gone. But don't use this cream on a fungal rash, because it can make the rash worse.
  • If itching affects your sleep, ask your doctor if you can take an antihistamine that might reduce itching and make you sleepy, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
• Try to reduce your stress. Take several breaks during the day to do a relaxation exercise if stress appears to cause your itching or make it worse. In particular, do it before you go to bed. Sit or lie down, and try to clear your mind. Manage your stress by relaxing every muscle in your body, starting with your toes and going up to your head. Doing this may help your symptoms.

To keep itching from getting worse

You may be able to prevent itching from getting worse.

• Don't scratch. Scratching leads to more itching. Cut nails short or wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching. Put mittens or cotton socks on the hands of babies and young children to prevent scratching.
• Stay out of the sun and in a cool place. Heat increases itching.
• Use a mild skin cleanser instead of soap. Don't use deodorant soaps.
• Put a cool compress on the skin to relieve itching.
• Avoid dry skin, which makes itching worse. Apply moisturizer or skin cream right away after a bath or shower while the skin is still damp. Look for products that contain glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum, or shea butter.
• Try washing your clothes with a mild soap, rather than a detergent. Try using ones such as CheerFree or Ecover. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the soap. Avoid strong detergents when you have a rash.
• Take several breaks during the day to do a relaxation exercise.
  • If stress appears to cause your itching or make it worse, a stress break can help—particularly before going to bed. Sit or lie down, and try to clear your mind of distracting thoughts.
  • Concentrate on relaxing every muscle in your body, starting with your toes and going up to your head.

Over-the-counter medicines for itching

If home treatment doesn't relieve the itching, you may want to try taking an over-the-counter medicine.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• Calamine lotion may help dry out itchy, oozing blisters.
• Try over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream for small itchy areas.
  • Do not use this cream on the face or genitals unless your doctor tells you to.
  • If itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger cream.
  • Don't use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Don't use it in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.
• Oral antihistamines may relieve the itching.
  • Nondrowsy oral antihistamines include fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin).
  • Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can make you feel sleepy and cause other side effects. They may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems.
  • Avoid applying antihistamine, such as Benadryl cream, spray, or gel, or Caladryl lotion, to the skin. These products may further irritate your skin. Also, it is harder to control the dosage of medicine that is absorbed through the skin.

If the itching is severe and it interferes with sleep or other activities for more than 2 days, contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms.