Antipruritic

Antipruritics, also known as anti-itch drugs, are medications that inhibit the itching (Latin: pruritus) that is often associated with sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites and stings like those from mosquitoes, fleas, and mites, and contact dermatitis and urticaria caused by plants such as poison ivy (urushiol-induced contact dermatitis) or stinging nettle.

Common antipruritics

Topical antipruritics in the form of creams and sprays are often available over-the-counter. Oral anti-itch drugs also exist and are usually prescription drugs. The active ingredients usually belong to the following classes:

• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone topical cream, see topical steroid
• Local anesthetics such as benzocaine topical cream (Lanacaine)
• Counterirritants, such as mint oil, menthol, or camphor

Disputed and questionable antipruritics

• Burow's solution (aluminium acetate)
• Olive oil
• Jewelweed, has been shown to be devoid of any anti-itch activity in several controlled studies
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) comprise a class of medicines commonly used for depression, and are also said to be effective in controlling pruritus in a small number of refractory cases. Mirtazapine, a different type of antidepressant, also has antipruritic effects due to its strong antagonism of the H₁ receptor.
• Calamine lotion, containing zinc oxide and iron(III) oxide, is a traditional remedy for mild itching, such as that typically associated with chicken pox - although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asserted that it has little if any effect.
• Paste of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water, applied topically
• Ammonium hydroxide (household ammonia), applied topically (However it can relieve some kinds of insect stings which itch, such as mosquito bites, by neutralizing an acid component of the sting.)
• [[Papain] based topical creams.

Home remedies

• Cooling with ice or cold water (usually stops the itch for as long as the ice or cold water is applied)
• Slightly painful stimulation like rubbing, slapping, scratching, or heating based on a spinal antagonism between pain- and itch-processing neurons
• Turpentine (used with extreme caution) to wipe affected areas of the skin followed by a wash with hot water and soap. Also effective to wipe any surface such as door knobs, tools, etc... which may have come into contact with the irritant. Do not allow the turpentine to remain on the skin.
• Pine tree gum applied to the affected areas for short periods of time can help in drawing out the oils and drying the skin. Wash the affected area after removing and discarding the gum in soap and water.
• Frequent washing of the affected areas in hot water with a drying soap removes oils that come to the surface as the blisters form and provides temporary relief from itching.
• Antimicrobial hand sanitizers and Solarcaine(TM) spray both help in reducing itching, help to dry out the areas affected and allow air to penetrate.
• For itching due to dry skin, take shorter showers and try to avoid water that is too hot; after showering and drying off, apply an emollient to the skin like baby oil or even petroleum jelly (this will help to seal in moisture).

External links

• Frontiers in pruritus research: scratching the brain for more effective itch therapy J. Clin. Invest. 116:1174-1185 (2006). DOI 10.1172/JCI28553