Itch Pills and Remedies to Stop Skin Symptoms

Over-the-counter, prescription, and alternative solutions

Itch pills like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), a medication used to treat allergies, or natural remedies like colloidal oatmeal products, can relieve the irritation and frustration of itching from various causes. These causes include:

The best way to stop the itch is to figure out what caused it. Then you can find the right treatment(s), whether a home remedy, an over-the-counter itch pill, or a prescription medication with other uses like the anti-anxiety drug Vistaril (hydroxyzine).

This article will walk you through the causes of itchiness and how to relieve them with medication or home remedies. 

Where Are You Itching?

Itchy eyes
Itchy face, eyes, nose. Getty Images

Where you itch can offer clues to the cause. It can be in/on your: 

A skin itch may be all over (generalized) or in one location (localized).

LOCATION  CAUSES SYMPTOMS
Eyes Allergies (hay fever) Redness, stinging, watering
Pink eye Burning, redness, tearing, blurred vision, swollen eyelids, crusty discharge
Common cold Irritation, watering
Contact lenses Irritation, infection
Nose  Allergies (hay fever) Sneezing, congestion, runny nose
Common cold Sneezing, congestion, runny nose
Throat  Allergies (hay fever) Congestion, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath
Food allergies Scratchiness, swelling, wheezing
Common cold Cough, congestion, sore throat
Asthma Cough, tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath
Face  Allergies (hay fever) General itch
Dry skin General itch, flakiness
Eczema Itchy, red rash, rough or scaly skin, small fluid-filled blisters, cracked skin, oozing, crusting
Skin Allergic contact dermatitis Rash where allergen touches, local itch
Dry skin General itch, flakiness
Eczema Itchy, red rash, rough or scaly skin, small fluid-filled blisters, cracked skin, oozing, crusting
Fungal infection Extremely itchy patches
Rash Many types exist; may be general or local itch, blisters, discoloration
Parasites Many types exist, usually a local itch
Insect bites/stings Local itch, burning, bump(s) at the site
Chickenpox Fluid-filled blisters that scab over;may cover the whole body

Causes

Itchy nose
Itchy nose. Getty Images

Some common causes of itching include:

An itch in your genital area could be from several types of infections, from basic skin irritation to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 

If you have trouble breathing, facial or tongue swelling, or vomiting accompanied by hives, get emergency medical attention. These are signs of anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Itch Pills (OTC and Prescribed)

allergy medicine
Allergy medication. BSIP/UIG/Getty Images

Once you know what's causing the itch, you can figure out how to treat it. Medications that help relieve itching include:

  • Antihistamines (allergy pills): These include Benadryl, Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), prescription Clarinex (desloratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine).
  • Anti-itch creams: Topical corticosteroids may be helpful for small itchy areas. like those from bug bites. They also may relieve eczema symptoms.
  • Antibiotics: Bacterial skin infections may require prescription antibiotics.

Studies of over-the-counter drugs used to treat people with urticaria (an itchy rash known as hives) found certain products more effective than others in delivering symptom relief. The strongest over-the-counter itch pills included Xyzal (levocetirizine), but more research is needed.

While many products are available over-the-counter, you may need a prescription for certain steroid creams and other products. If itching is caused by a medication you take, ask your healthcare provider about different options.

In some cases, medications used to treat depression are used to deal with chronic itching. Antidepressants including Zoloft (sertraline) and Elavil (amitriptyline) have been studied as itch pills, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits.

What Stops Itching at Night?

Itching at night (called nocturnal pruritus) is commonly caused by dry skin, hormonal changes, and certain underlying health conditions or the medications used to treat them. Antihistamines, topical creams, and supplements work to relieve symptoms. So do lifestyle changes like improved hydration.

Treating Itchiness Naturally (Without Medication)

lotion
Lotion or moisturizer may help with itching skin. RunPhoto/Taxi Japan/Getty Images

There are plenty of non-drug options as well. Many things can help soothe your itchy skin including:

  • Cold compresses
  • Lukewarm baths
  • Lotions or moisturizers
  • Mild soap
  • Oatmeal bath

If you itch because of dry skin, moisturizing with a cream or petroleum-based moisturizer may bring relief.

Things to avoid if you have itchy skin include:

  • Irritating fabrics, especially wool and polyester
  • High heat
  • Humidity
  • Long hot baths, which can dry your skin
  • Bubble baths
  • Powders
  • Cornstarch
  • Scratching

It may be hard not to scratch. But that can irritate your skin more. It may also spread the problem and put you at risk of infection.

For poison ivy, try calamine lotion, an oral antihistamine, or hydrocortisone cream. Lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal or a cup of baking soda can ease your itching. You also can try essential oils, like diluted peppermint oil, which can serve as a remedy for various causes of itchy skin.

Summary

Itches come from many causes. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications, including itch pills and creams, can relieve some types of itch. Home remedies can help, too.

Speak to your healthcare provider about symptoms and treatment options. Avoid things that irritate your skin. Try not to scratch, and take the time to figure out the cause and the correct treatments. That's the best way to get relief.

15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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  3. CDC. The difference between cold and flu

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  6. CDC. Chickenpox (varicella): Signs and symptoms.

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  8. National Eczema Association. Over-the-counter treatments for eczema.

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  10. American Academy of Family Physicians. Topical Corticosteroids: Choice and Application.

  11. Cevikbas F, Lerner EA. Physiology and Pathophysiology of Itch. Physiol Rev. 2020 Jul 1;100(3):945-982. doi:10.1152/physrev.00017.2019

  12. Kouwenhoven TA, van de Kerkhof PCM, Kamsteeg M. Use of oral antidepressants in patients with chronic pruritus: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Dec;77(6):1068-1073.e7. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.025. 

  13. National Eczema Foundation. Eczema and bathing.

  14. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: How to treat the rash.

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Additional Reading
  • American Academy of Family Physicians. Pruritis.  

  • National Cancer Institute. Pruritis (PDQ).

  • National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Itching.

By Kristina Herndon, RN
Kristina Herndon, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention.