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
• Local anesthetics such as benzocaine topical cream (Lanacaine)
• Counterirritants, such as mint oil, menthol, or camphor
• 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 USA's Food and Drug Administration has asserted that it has little if any effect.

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.

Home remedies

• Cooling with ice or cold water (usually stops the itch for as long as the ice or cold water is applied)
• Heating
• Slightly painful stimulation like rubbing, slapping or scratching, based on a spinal antagonism between pain- and itch-processing neurons

References

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