Itching is a discomforting feeling in which people feel the need to scratch. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of itchy skin include redness, dry and cracked skin, scaly skin and bumps or blisters on the skin. Itchiness may be due to skin disease, such as dermatitis. Certain medications, soaps, chemicals, laundry detergents and plants like poison ivy can make people itchy. Fortunately, drugs exist to stop this condition.
Topical Hydrocortisone
Topical hydrocortisone is an over-the-counter medication used to reduce itching, redness, inflammation and scaling of skin, reports MedlinePlus. Specifically, this drug treats the skin irritation and itchiness caused by the following: insect bites, eczema (skin condition), poison oak, cosmetics and jewelry. Hydrocortisone also treats anal or rectal itching and itching of the scalp.
Hydrocortisone's side effects include itching, burning, cracking and drying of the skin. This medication also causes a change in skin color. A serious allergic reaction to hydrocortisone involves trouble breathing, wheezing, trouble swallowing and a skin infection. Hydrocortisone is available in a 0.5 or 1 percent-strength dosage.
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine drug that also treats itching. It can also treat such allergy symptoms as a runny nose, sneezing, hives and rashes. Diphenhydramine is also used to treat cough and motion sickness. In some cases, this drug can also treat Parkinson's disease (a disorder characterized by tremors) and sleeping problems.
The Drugs website reports that diphenhydramine's side effects include dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, a headache and problems urinating. Closing up of the throat, trouble breathing and swelling of the face and tongue are signs of an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine.
Alcohol consumption while taking diphenhydramine can lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness. Medications, such as sertraline, alprazolam, temazepam or triazolam, may interact with diphenhydramine and make it less effective or cause the aforementioned side effects.
Calamine and Pramoxine
Calamine and pramoxine is another anti-itch medication that specifically relieves such minor skin irritations of poison ivy or oak, insect bites, poison sumac and the chicken pox, says the Drugs website. Typically, this medication does not cause any side effects when used in small amounts. However, calamine and pramoxine may lead to such allergic symptoms as chest tightness, trouble breathing and swelling of the face, lips or tongue. This medication should not be applied to the skin more than three to four times a day.
