From the Guidelines
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pruritus include topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasone butyrate and hydrocortisone, as well as antihistamines like diphenhydramine.
Available OTC Medications
- Topical corticosteroids: clobetasone butyrate and hydrocortisone are available for OTC use in the U.K. 1
- Antihistamines: diphenhydramine is available OTC, however, its use is generally recommended for short-term relief of pruritus due to its sedative properties 1
Not Recommended
- Calamine lotion: not recommended due to lack of evidence supporting its use in treating pruritus 1
- Crotamiton 10% lotion: not effective in relieving pruritus compared to vehicle control 1
- Topical capsaicin: not recommended for use in treating generalized pruritus, except in cases of uraemic pruritus 1
Additional Considerations
- Menthol: may have a counter-irritant effect, which can provide relief from pruritus, but its effectiveness is not well established 1
- Topical doxepin: although it has been shown to have some effectiveness in relieving pruritus, its use is limited due to concerns about allergic contact dermatitis and toxicity 1
From the Research
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications for Pruritus
- There are various OTC medications that can be used to treat pruritus, although the most effective treatment may depend on the underlying cause of the itch 2.
- For inflammatory chronic pruritus, topical anti-inflammatory therapies such as hydrocortisone (2.5%) or triamcinolone (0.1%) can be used 2.
- For neuropathic chronic pruritus, topical treatments such as menthol, pramoxine, or lidocaine can be used either alone or in combination with immunomodulatory agents such as topical steroids 2.
- Other OTC ingredients that may be used to treat pruritus include sulfur, sodium sulfacetamide, and alpha hydroxy acids, although the evidence for these ingredients is limited 3.
- It is worth noting that while some OTC medications may be effective in treating pruritus, the therapy of pruritus is challenging and often takes an individualistic approach 4.
Common OTC Medications
- The most common OTC medications used by patients are paracetamol and ibuprofen, although these medications are not typically used to treat pruritus 5.
- Other OTC medications that may be used to treat skin conditions, such as acne, include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid 3.
- However, the use of these medications for pruritus is not well established, and further research is needed to determine their effectiveness 2, 4.