Your doctor may recommend or prescribe medication to control itching and relieve your symptoms. Common forms of medication used to treat itchy skin include:
- Medicated creams or ointments: Topical creams containing corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and soothe itching. These medications are most effective when applied after a warm bath or shower.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines (usually sold as a pill, cream, or spray) help block your body’s allergic reaction to irritating substances. These drugs can help prevent flare-ups of itchy skin and can relieve symptoms in affected areas. If you are taking an oral antihistamine, pay attention to whether or not the drug is non-drowsy or not. Some antihistamines (like Benadryl) can cause drowsiness, and should not be taken before you operate motor vehicles or go about daily activities.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) can help relieve chronic itching.