Anti-Itch Creams and Ointments

Anti-Itch Creams and Ointments

I guess most of us have faced the problem of itchy skin or severe itching, and that too many times! It is not a serious issue and mainly is caused by lifestyle, hygiene as well as the environment around us. If you check in the market, you will find a number of lotions and moisturizers to help deal with dry and itchy skin. Although itchy skin has been associated with dryness, very often, there could be several other reasons for the cause of same, like mosquito bites, infections, allergies, etc.

Anti-itch cream comes in numerous types. Some of these are available by prescription only and are usually have stronger ingredients than over the counter forms. Others have natural ingredients, which may be preferred by some people. The majority of over the counter anti-itch cream types contain one of three active types of ingredients: antihistamine, benzocaine, or topical steroids.

Topical applications work excellently against all sorts of itching problems. However, a few rare cases would require oral medications. When it comes to purchasing a cream for itching, you need to go for the one which will give quick relief. In medical terminology, anti-itch creams are broadly classified under 3 categories. Let us see what they are and how they prove to be useful.

1. Antihistamines: The creams which come under this category generally have the compound diphenhydramine as a major ingredient that helps giving a soothing effect against bites, rashes, and allergies.

2. Anesthetics: The creams coming under this category contain either benzocaine, pramoxine or lidocaine. After topical application they give temporary numbness in that particular part and thus provide relief. However, their use should be restricted since it can lead to severe irritation for people with sensitive skin as well as sleeplessness.

3. Steroids: Hydrocortisone is the major ingredient in topical steroid-based anti-itch creams. These creams work well for minor itches, particularly with dry skin and help give relief.

Doctors tend to recommend topical steroids like hydrocortisone for most minor problems with skin itching. They are absorbed in the skin and generally aren't used over large areas of the body. However, they do help address inflammation of the skin, which can aggravate skin itching, and they may be quite effective for localized itching. Follow guidelines on any anti-itching cream that contains a topical steroid, and consult a physician if questions exist about use for longer periods of time or over large areas of skin.

Many turn to natural products available in some anti-itch cream or lotions. Oatmeal has anti-itching properties and because it doesn’t pose health risks in most cases, it can be a good choice to treat things like chicken pox, or large rashes from poison oak and poison ivy. Aloe vera has some anti-itch properties too. Another common anti-itch cream ingredient is calamine, a mix of zinc and iron.

When looking for a natural cream, verify by reading labels that those with natural ingredients don’t have the more chemically produced ingredients too. Some anti-itch cream manufactures place aloe vera in topical steroid or benzocaine ointments. Calamine lotion is often combined with diphenhydramine in products like Caladryl.

Long standing itching can result from many conditions and it may be best to consult a doctor about itching that is problematic, especially if cause can’t be easily identified. Sometimes people need prescription strength anti-itch cream instead, and others, like those with contact dermatitis, might require oral medications to end itching.

Different Types of Anti-Itch Ointment
An anti-itch ointment containing an antihistamine can be used to treat itchy skin conditions caused by an allergic reaction. Insect bites and the irritation caused by poison ivy and poison oak fall into these categories. A topical antihistamine works in the same way as an oral one; it helps to block the histamines that the body produces to excess when it has come into contact with an allergen.

Another option for someone who wants to get relief from an itchy skin condition is to use an ointment containing a topical steroid. This type of anti-itch ointment is available in a number of strengths and is applied sparingly to the affected area. This type of anti-itch ointment has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to reduce swelling. It can be used for eczema, dermatitis, and skin rashes. Anti-itch ointment containing topical steroids can also be used for poison ivy, poison oak and insect bites.

Topical steroids are available over the counter in relatively low concentrations. For more serious conditions, a doctor can prescribe a stronger anti-itch ointment. These remedies should be used only as directed and for a limited time. If the condition being treated hasn't resolved itself within seven days, a doctor should be consulted.

Anti-itch ointments containing a local anesthetic can be used to treat skin conditions that can cause pain and itching, such as sunburn, cuts, scratches and minor burns. The product works by numbing the nerve endings in the area it is applied to. This type of anti-itch remedy can also be used to treat rashes, poison sumac, poison ivy and poison oak.

Homemade Anti-Itch Remedies
If you wish to use some natural preparations, then make sure you use the ones mentioned below. Labels containing any one of the following ingredients would do the needful.

1. Oatmeal: Oatmeal or oat granules have natural properties of exfoliating the skin because they act as colloids giving soothing effect and work best for oily skin. You can apply oatmeal creams on insect bites.

2. Aloe Vera: I guess we all are well acquainted with the medicinal uses of aloe vera and these are excellent in curing burns and inflammation. Aloe vera has been extensively used for treating psoriasis for quite some time now.

3. Baking Soda: It's an ingredient which can serve as a solution to various types of itches. For skin bumps and rashes, add 1 tbsp of baking soda in warm water and have bath with it. You can also make a baking soda paste for treating itchy skin. Take 3 tbsp of baking soda and 5 tbsp of water. Apply gently on itchy skin and leave it for 20 minutes. Remember that this paste is not for areas which suffer from broken skin.

4. Oatmeal: Yes, you can take oatmeal bath to treat itchy skin but this is not the oatmeal which we people eat. Of course, this bathing mixture is made from oatmeal but its known as colloidal oatmeal. You can add this colloidal oatmeal (oatmeal which is grind thoroughly) in the water and sit and relax in the tub for about 10 minutes. Now that you've soaked yourself in oatmeal for 10 minutes, wash yourself with lukewarm water and be careful while drying your skin.

5. Lemon: Lemon has been used as an effective anti-itch home remedy since decades. Lemon is a well-balanced mixture which has anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties which prevent the itchiness spread all over the body. Apply concentrated lemon juice over itchy skin and leave it for 20 minutes.

6. Homemade Body Wash: To get rid of itchy skin diseases. Mix some olive oil and milk. Take a glass of milk and add a 2 tsp of olive oil into the milk. Mix well and apply it all over the body and let it remain for at least 10 minutes. Have a bath with lukewarm water and dry your skin very gently with a towel.

7.Mint: Drinking mint tea is regarded an effective itch remedy since many centuries. Mint was an important ingredient in the Chinese folk medicines which were regarded as effective dry skin healers. Mint contains menthol which is anesthetic and has anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. For making mint tea place dried mint leaves in boiling water. Cover it and keep for cooling. Now soak a clean cloth in the tea and apply over affected skin when necessary.

8. Eating Habits: You wouldn't believe but even a diet is sometimes a potential cause for itch. Include healthy foods in your diet and include juices. Avoid junk and processed foods as they encourage the production of unhealthy skin oils. These oils are the main cause of itchy skin.

Myotcstore Related Products:

Balmex Adult Care Rash Cream - 3 oz

Vagi cure anti itching cream, maximum strength - 1 oz

Derma-E stop itch instant relief creme, 2 oz

Zinc Oxide Plus skin protectant ointment - 2 oz

Benadryl extra strength itch stopping cream - 1 oz