Itchy skin can be frustrating. If you can’t stop scratching, you’ll want to read on for the best treatments for itchy skin. Dermatologists have filled us in on their go-to remedies for itchy skin, from oatmeal baths to antihistamines. The first thing to do is try and narrow down what’s causing your itchy skin.
“There are many reasons someone can have itchy skin,” explains Tanya Kormeili, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica. While dry skin is a common cause, some often-overlooked causes can be nerve-related itches, infections, allergic responses, and stress, according to Dr. Kormeili.
Meet the Experts: Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology; Tanya Kormeili, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica; Kate Viola, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners; Alix J. Charles, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the AAD
“You need to consult your dermatologist if you have a rash, with visible changes in your skin that have not resolved or are getting worse,” notes Dr. Kormelli. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you’ll also want to see a dermatologist if your itchiness lasts longer than a few weeks, interferes with sleep, or is accompanied by other symptoms (like nausea, fever, weight gain, weight loss, fatigue, or mood changes).
Ahead, learn about the best treatments for itchy skin, according to dermatologists.
1. Moisturizing lotion
Dry skin is the most common reason for itchy skin. “Harsh deodorant, body washes and soaps, as well as laundry detergents with fragrance and dye, will strip the skin of natural protective fats and oils,” explains Kate Viola, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners. “Taking long, hot showers and living in colder, dryer climates are also culprits.” Hormonal fluctuations, diabetes, and other conditions can also dry out your skin.
A daily moisturizing routine can help rehydrate your skin and, in turn, soothe your itchiness. Opt for a fragrance-free moisturizer, suggests Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City.
2. Cold compresses
Here’s an easy itch treatment: 10 to 15 minutes of quality time with an ice pack, suggests Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin. Rather than scratching bug bites like there’s no tomorrow—and dialing up the unpleasant reaction as a result—try pressing an ice cube to them for quick (albeit, short-lasting) relief.
3. Plant-based topicals
Got itchy skin from insect bites, sunburn, or not-so-nice plants such as poison ivy or oak? Over-the-counter lotions, creams, and gels that contain plant-based herbal remedies such as menthol, calamine, and aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin, says Alix J. Charles, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the AAD.
4. Oatmeal products
Ever take oatmeal baths as a kid? Research shows colloidal oatmeal—a finely-ground type of oatmeal—can help lower the intensity of itchy skin as it tamps down inflammation, per a 2015 study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Soak it up in the tub, apply it to itchy patches in paste-form, or lather it on in a moisturizing lotion or cream.
5. Hydrocortisone cream
To spot-treat itchy skin, try over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream, suggests Dr. Charles, which will work to reduce redness and swelling in addition to itching. If you’re dealing with an itchy area you’re not so keen to touch or rub, you can also use a hydrocortisone spray, per the Mayo Clinic.
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6. Antihistamines
When your body’s immune system alarm bells go off, that can result in a release of itch- and rash-inducing compounds called histamines. That’s where antihistamines come in, which prevent these pesky substances from wreaking havoc on your cells. Take Allegra or Zyrtec to clear up hives and itchiness alike, suggests Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin.
❗If you’re facing a fast-spreading rash or antihistamines aren’t making a dent in your symptoms, head for the doc ASAP. It could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction.
7. Prescription-strength topical or oral steroids
If your itch is *really* bad (think: worst poison ivy of your life, extensive hives, or a flare-up from a skin condition like eczema), dermatologists might choose to prescribe stronger treatments. If you’ve tried a handful of home remedies and they’re not doing the trick, head to your doctor who can help ID next steps.
8. Injectable steroids
Again, a super-relentless itch might call for an additional expert treatment, including an injectable medication. This in-office procedure can help dial down the itch from issues such as contact dermatitis (what happens when your skin has rubbed up against an irritating substance such as poison ivy or a chemical) or a severe case of a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.
9. Psychiatric medications
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, and—even worse—now you have concerningly itchy skin, your mental health could be suffering. While rare, sometimes itchiness can be triggered by the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine inside your body, as a result of a high-stress situation, anxiety, or depression. Sometimes psychiatric medications, including antidepressants can help soothe your itch, so make an appointment with your physician if you think this may be the case, suggests Dr. Charles.
10. Medication management
If you’ve recently had surgery or you’re recovering from an injury, pain medications such as opioids (among others) can cause *big-time* itching as a side effect. “If you started new medications and began to itch, you should contact your prescribing physician, report these symptoms, and ask for a change in medication,” says Dr. Kormelli.
11. Phototherapy
An in-office procedure called phototherapy (also known as light therapy) can help alleviate itching from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, says Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin. The most common type, narrow band phototherapy, helps reduce itchiness and inflammation by exposing your skin to an increasing amount of a certain wavelength of UV radiation, per the NEA. An impressive 70% of people with eczema get better after receiving this treatment.
12. Treatment for an underlying condition.
If you’ve tried a handful of home remedies and your persistent itch remains, an underlying condition such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, infections including Hepatitis B or C, HIV, thyroid problems, or complications of pregnancy, among other issues could be to blame, says Dr. Kanchanapoomi Levin. It’s true that day-to-day itch triggers including dry skin and bug bites are *far* more common, but you’re best off visiting your doctor or dermatologist to confirm proper treatment.
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