How Itchy Skin Creams Can Help You

Itchy Skin Cream

Table Contents

Whether your itch is because of an eczema flare-up or from a bug bite. We know that there is nothing worse than an itch that can’t be controlled. This is why we decided to list out the best itch creams, so you don’t have to search for them.

In this blog, we have explored the world of itching, its causes, the types of itch, how to prevent it, and what cream is best for itchy skin.

Itchy Skin And Its Causes

Wondering what is causing you to scratch? Let us help you with that. When the skin comes in contact with an allergen, irritant, or pathogen the body’s immune system triggers a reaction that causes inflammation of the skin. This inflammation appears as red, dry, itchy rashes on the skin. In darker skin tones the skin discoloration can appear in hues of purple. There are several reasons that can cause your skin to itch. We have listed down some of the most common reasons for itchy skin.

Types of Itch

Neuropathic Itching

Neuropathic itching is caused when there is damage to the neurons of the peripheral or central nervous system. This itch can be caused by any disease that in turn affects the somatosensory system. The somatosensory system is the neurons that let us know what is going on in the world–neurons that detect pain, pressure, temperature, and where we are spatially in our environment. 

Psychogenic Itching

Ever heard about someone’s lice and started itching your own scalp? This type of itch is related to psychological factors. This can be a complicated diagnosis to ascertain.  It can be associated with a strong urge to scratch the skin due to depression, anxiety, psychosis, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is not caused by any skin disorder or any physical condition. Medical diagnoses should be ruled out before attributing an itch as psychogenic.

Pruritoceptive Itching

It is the most common kind of itching. It develops on the skin due to the inflammation in the skin. It appears when there is an issue with the natural skin barrier. Some of the common reasons for this itch are eczema, contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus), and seborrheic dermatitis. 

Tips For Preventing Itchy Skin

You can prevent your skin from severe itching by following a few simple steps.

  • Avoid extreme temperatures.
  • Try to keep your house or room cool and humid.
  • Avoid taking hot baths, instead use lukewarm water.
  • Use light, soft, and breathable fabric for clothing and bedding.
  • Avoid consuming spicy food and alcohol.
  • Don’t use skincare products with harsh chemicals.
  • Use a hypoallergenic moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized.

Anti-Itch Creams

Itching especially if it’s intense can be managed with the help of anti-itch creams. These are over-the-counter products used to relieve itching related to different issues. The doctor may prescribe one of these creams. They are fast-acting and very effective in alleviating itching. But in order to treat itching it is important to first manage its underlying cause. 

Topical Steroids

These are also known as topical corticosteroids. These are the medications that can be directly applied to the skin to control irritation and inflammation on the skin. It comes in different forms such as lotion, creams, gels, and ointments. These are considered very effective anti-itch creams. A mild form of topical steroids is easily available as over-the-counter products. However, stronger types are only available on prescription and are prescribed by the doctor when the itching and inflammation are very severe. Some of the common skin conditions that are treated with these are eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. 

Topical Antihistamines

When the skin comes in contact with a certain allergen or irritant the immune system releases histamine. These histamines trigger irritation, itching, rashes, and redness. Topical antihistamines work by blocking the reaction of histamines which can relieve some of the itching related to any skin condition. The antihistamines used to treat allergies and skin conditions are known as H-1 blockers. 

While a bit out of scope as we are discussing creams, if there is a significant itch an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine, available as an OTC here in the USA, is a better option than a topical cream. Around 90% of people can get drowsy–this is something to be keenly aware of.  

Anesthetics 

Anesthetics also known as Lidocaine topical lotion, relieve the itching by preventing the nerve receptors present in the upper layer of skin from transmitting itching or pain signals to the brain. It creates a loss of feeling in the tissues and skin. It is mostly used to treat itching and inflammation associated with eczema, burns, and insect bites–it is also available as OTC in the USA. Clinically it is not something that is commonly recommended for children. 

Best Cream For Itchy Skin

As we have discovered in this blog there are different types of itch. Some creams for itchy skin may work well for one kind of itch while it may not be effective on the other type. While these creams can help ease the itching, they may not be able to treat its underlying cause. The underlying cause must be managed with the help of a doctor and medication to get rid of the itch. 

For itching caused by eczema and dry skin, Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream is the best cream for dry, sensitive skin. What makes it stand out is that its

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Dye-free
  • Dermatologist tested

It is A Pediatrician’s Solution®, it protects the skin against irritants and helps in restoring the natural skin barrier. It can help you soothe itching, and redness associated with eczema, dry skin, and sensitive skin. 

Conclusion

Dealing with itchy skin can be frustrating. Finding the right cream for itchy skin can make a great difference. Whether you are suffering from eczema, a bug bite, or dry skin, there is an itchy skin cream for every condition. Consulting a doctor to find the exact underlying cause of your itch can help you decide on the best anti-itching cream for your condition. 

Explore Happy Cappy’s non-prescription hair and skincare products and choose which is best for your skin condition.  

FAQs

Follow Me
Dr. Eddie Valenzuela
Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

More about Dr. Eddie.
Follow Me
Latest posts by Dr. Eddie Valenzuela (see all)

Which is the best cream for itchy skin?

If applying a twice-daily moisturizer and the skin is still itchy consider adding an anti-itch cream that contains Hydrocortisone 1% strength. It is suitable for any type of itch. It manages inflammation which reduces the redness and itching on the skin.

What does the neuropathic itch feel like?

Neuropathic itch usually produces an itching sensation that feels like needles and pins under the skin.

Which medicine is best for itchy skin?

Medicines like diphenhydramine can help relieve itching. However, these medicines should only be taken after consulting a doctor to avoid any side effects.

Can antihistamines treat all kinds of itching?

No antihistamines are not usually effective on every type of itching. It is only effective on the itch that is caused by the release of histamine in the body. Eczema is one kind of itch that antihistamines can not stop.

Can itching indicate a liver problem?

Itching may be sometimes caused by internal diseases of the liver. But itching alone can not determine that there is a liver problem. There are several other reasons that may be causing the itch such as bug bite, eczema, dry skin, hives, and psoriasis.

Suggested Products

Buy today

Also Available at

available at walmart
walgreens
available at amazon

Recent Posts

email

Get tips, news
and exclusive offers

Newsletter

0
Your Cart
Check Blazer

Spend $25
Get Free Gift