Best Cream for Itchy Skin

Itchy skin is something we can all agree on is one of the worst things in the world. And how it always decides to show up at the most inconvenient times, like your first date, an important presentation, or an interview…super annoying.  

Whether the itch is caused by dry skin or an eczema flare-up, avoiding the urge to scratch it can be difficult at times. The second you scratch it, it’s game over and you are scratching non-stop in public like a grizzly bear. 

To avoid this embarrassment and discomfort it is essential to treat the itchy skin. While soothing your itching with cream is very easy, choosing the best cream for itchy skin can sometimes be a difficult task. 

This blog will provide insight into everything you need to know about itchy skin and the best cream to soothe it. 

Understanding Itchy Skin

Itchy skin medically known as pruritus, can cause a tingling sensation and irritation on skin that makes you want to scratch it. It can be caused by various reasons such as

• Dry skin
• Dehydration
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Contact dermatitis
• Insect bites
• Skin infections
• Hives

The list of triggers that can cause your itchy skin is quite long and mentioning all of them is difficult. This is why we have mentioned some of the most common ones. You may experience other symptoms along with itching such as dry skin, redness, rashes, bumps, and blisters depending on the root cause of the condition. 

No matter the cause for itching or how severe it is, the first thing you likely want to do is get rid of it. 

Itchy Skin Treatment

Treating itchy skin depends on its root cause. If a certain skin condition like eczema, rosacea, or ringworm is causing it then treating the skin condition can help you get rid of the itching. However, there are two important aspects to treating the itch: preventing it and soothing it. 

Preventing the Itch

You can prevent itching from becoming worse by following a few of the simple steps mentioned below.

• Keep the skin moisturized as much as possible with the help of a moisturizing cream for itchy dry skin. 
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot water to take baths.
• Use skincare products that are free from fragrances and any other harsh chemicals to avoid irritating the skin.
• Use fragrance-free laundry detergent to wash your clothes.
• If you know the triggers that can cause itching on your skin try avoiding them. 
• No matter how intense the itching is don’t scratch it, instead gently pat the skin to find relief. 
• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist–this may help your skin from becoming dry and irritated. 
• You can also apply a cold compress to relieve the itch. 
• Taking an oatmeal bath can also help soothe the itching.
• Use sunscreen and insect repellant to protect your skin while going out. 
• Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Treating the Itch

Soothing the itchy skin may require the use of over-the-counter medications. If your itching is not getting better after adhering to a proper skincare regimen or if your skin condition is getting worse, consult a doctor. 

They may prescribe the use of the following to soothe and relieve your itching. 

Anti-itch Cream

These creams are specially formulated and available as an OTC product to be used and applied to the skin to relieve itching. There are different types of anti-itch creams that are prescribed depending on the severity of the condition. 

Prescription Medications

These prescription medications are mostly prescribed for severe cases of itchy skin. These medications can be either applied topically, consumed orally or injected into the body. Some of the most common ones prescribed to be taken orally are diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. 

Wet Wrap Therapy

Wet wrap therapy is also prescribed for intense itching with eczema, especially at night. In this method, topical medications and creams are applied to the skin which is then covered with a wet fabric followed by a dry gauze or fabric. 

This is applied overnight to relieve the itching. However, this treatment regimen should only be applied when suggested by the doctor.  

Types of Anti-Itch Creams

As we discussed before there are different types of anti itch creams. Here are a few of the common ones that are prescribed by the doctor depending on the condition. 

Steroid Creams

Steroid creams, also known as topical corticosteroid creams, are often prescribed to soothe the itchy skin caused by inflammation from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They contain ingredients like Hydrocortisone, Triamcinolone, Mometasone, Clobetasone butyrate, and Clobetasol propionate. 

These ingredients act similarly to cortisol which is a hormone in our body that helps suppress the immune response and reduce the itching, redness, and inflammation in affected areas. 

Non-Steroids

These creams do not contain stronger ingredients like corticosteroids. Some common prescription non-steroids are Crisaborole, Roflumilast, Tacrolimus, and Pimecrolimus. When it comes to emollients for moisturizing throughout the day, they may contain some skin-soothing ingredients like Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides that relieve the itching by moisturizing the skin. 

Antihistamines

These are usually used to relieve the itchy skin associated with allergies, bug bites, or contact dermatitis. When our skin comes in contact with a certain allergen it releases a chemical known as histamine that causes itching and redness as a reaction.

Antihistamine creams contain ingredients like Diphenhydramine that help block the histamine receptors from causing a reaction that helps reduce the itching and irritation., 

Anesthetics 

These creams contain ingredients like Lidocaine, Benzocaine, and Prilocaine that block the nerve signal in the affected areas and numb the skin to reduce itching, irritation, and discomfort in the affected area. 

These are mostly used for severe cases of itchy skin and should be only used as advised by the doctor. 

Daily Moisturizing Creams

While other anti-itch creams can be used for a limited duration only, daily creams can be used on a daily basis, especially for chronic skin conditions like eczema. 

Eczema often damages the skin’s natural barrier and leaves the skin dry and irritated. Daily eczema moisturizing creams contain ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin that help repair the skin barrier, retain moisture in the skin, and hydrate it to soothe the itching, dryness, and irritation. 

What is the Best Cream for Itchy Skin?

The best cream for itchy skin depends on what is causing the itch, and how severe it is. If your itchy skin is caused by dry skin then the best moisturizing cream for you is the one that contains skin-soothing and hydrating natural ingredients like glycerin and licorice root extract. 

If the itching is caused by a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis then using a hypoallergenic eczema cream or a hydrocortisone cream can help soothe the itching. To choose the best cream for your skin it is advised that you consult a doctor who would prescribe the cream most suitable according to your skin type and condition. 

However, below we have listed down some important things that you should look for and what to avoid in a cream for itchy skin. 

Ingredients to Look for in an Itchy Skin Cream

Some of the common ingredients to look for in cream for itchy skin depending on your condition are:

• Hydrocortisone

This helps calm down the body’s inflammatory response and reduce other symptoms caused by it such as itching, swelling, and redness. 

• Antihistamines

Ingredients such as diphenhydramine and cetirizine help reduce the immune system response that causes itching by blocking the histamines in the affected area.

• Colloidal Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal can help soothe mild itching. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce irritation. It also helps in drawing moisture into the skin and balances the skin’s pH level to reduce the itching and irritation associated with skin conditions like eczema. 

• Ceramides

This helps in repairing the skin barrier and reduces dryness and irritation on sensitive skin. 

• Glycerin

Glycerin helps soothe the itching by attracting moisture to the skin, hydrating it deep within, and repairing the skin’s natural barrier. This is why it is often added to eczema creams. 

• Licorice Root Extract 

Licorice root extract or Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, according to research, is believed to contain skin-soothing properties. It helps reduce irritation, supports the skin’s natural barrier, prevents loss of moisture from the skin, and provides a cooling effect that soothes the itchy, sensitive skin. 

What to Avoid in a Cream for Itching Skin?

Now that we have discussed a few ingredients that you should look for in an itchy skin moisturizer, let’s take a look at the things that you must avoid. Itchy skin often becomes very sensitive and can easily get irritated by chemicals used in skin care products. 

This is why you must avoid the ingredients mentioned below in creams for itchy, irritated skin to avoid worsening the condition.

• Fragrances
• Menthol 
• Camphor
• Alcohol 
• Artificial dyes
• Sulfate
• Paraben
• Phthalates
• Lanolin
• Propylene glycol
• Nickel 

These ingredients are widely used in skin care products but can cause irritation and reaction on the skin, especially in people with dry, sensitive eczema-prone skin. Avoiding them in your products can help prevent itchy skin. 

Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream for Itchy Skin

If your itching is associated with eczema then using a daily moisturizer is a must for you to mitigate flare-ups and to try and prevent your condition from getting worse. However, deciding which eczema moisturizer is best can be difficult. There are various products in the market that claim they are eczema-safe yet include skin-irritating chemicals like dimethicone, fragrances, and artificial dyes. 

This is why Dr. Eddie, an experienced pediatrician, has developed a moisturizing cream for eczema that is safe to use on people of all ages. It can be used throughout the day to soothe itching, redness, and irritation found in eczema-prone skin. 

It is fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, and contains ingredients like glycerin and licorice root extract that help draw and lock moisture into the skin and protect its natural barrier. 

It has an acidic pH level that helps normalize the pH level of the skin in people with eczema. For best results cleanse your skin with Happy Cappy Daily Eczema Shampoo and Body Wash at least once daily and then apply the Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream for Eczema while the skin is still a little damp. Apply the cream at least twice daily.  

Conclusion

Itchy skin can be caused by various reasons which is why it’s essential that you find the root cause to get the right treatment plan. Anti-itch creams are often prescribed by the doctor to soothe the itch. 

However, it can be difficult to choose the best cream for your itchy skin as there are different types of creams from steroid creams and antihistamines to daily moisturizing creams. All of them aim to soothe the itching but choosing which one is right for you should be done with the help of a doctor. 

A few ingredients that you must always avoid not only in skin creams but also in any other skincare products are fragrances, parabens, sulfates, dyes, phthalates, and lanolin. 

If your itching is associated with eczema and you are searching for a skin-friendly solution to soothe it then try the Happy Cappy Eczema Skincare Routine. 

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