From the Guidelines
There are no over-the-counter internal pills specifically approved to treat eczema, and any oral medication used should be focused on managing symptoms like itching rather than treating the condition itself. Most OTC eczema treatments are topical products like moisturizers, hydrocortisone creams, or colloidal oatmeal baths. Some people take oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or loratadine (Claritin) to help reduce itching associated with eczema, but these medications don't treat the underlying condition - they only help manage the symptom of itching, as noted in a study on the management of atopic eczema 1.
Key Points to Consider:
- Antihistamines can be taken according to package directions, typically once daily for non-drowsy formulations or at bedtime for those that cause drowsiness.
- The therapeutic value of antihistamines in eczema seems to reside principally in their sedative properties, making them useful as a short-term adjuvant to topical treatment during relapses associated with severe pruritus 1.
- Non-sedating antihistamines have little or no value in atopic eczema, and the value of antihistamines may be progressively reduced as a result of tachyphylaxis 1.
- For actual treatment of eczema itself, prescription medications are usually necessary, such as oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics, as eczema is an inflammatory skin condition involving immune system dysfunction.
Important Considerations:
- Eczema treatment should prioritize managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups, with a focus on topical treatments and, when necessary, prescription medications that address the immune system dysfunction.
- While oral antihistamines can provide relief from itching, they should not be considered a replacement for proven eczema treatments but rather as a complementary approach to symptom management.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults and children 12 years of age and over: 1 softgel (50 mg) at bedtime if needed, or as directed by a doctor Active ingredient (in each softgel) Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride USP 50 mg
The FDA drug labels for diphenhydramine do not explicitly mention the treatment of eczema.
- Eczema treatment is not directly mentioned in the provided drug labels 2 and 2. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Over-the-Counter Internal Medical Pills for Eczema
There are no over-the-counter internal medical pills that are widely recommended for the treatment of eczema.
- The use of oral H1 antihistamines as monotherapy for eczema is not supported by high-level evidence, as stated in studies 3 and 4.
- Some studies suggest that oral antihistamines may have an antipruritic effect, but their efficacy and safety in relieving itch and skin lesions are unclear 5.
- Dietary supplements, such as fish oil, zinc, and vitamins, have been proposed as possible treatments for eczema, but there is no convincing evidence to support their use 6.
Available Options
While there are no over-the-counter internal medical pills specifically approved for eczema treatment, some medications may be available to help manage symptoms:
- Oral H1 antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or loratadine, may be used to relieve itch and reduce the allergic response, but their use should be discussed with a healthcare professional 3, 4, 5.
- It is essential to note that the treatment of eczema often involves a combination of topical and systemic therapies, and patients should consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.