Treating Itch

Treating Uremic Itch

Article Teaser: There are many medications that can be used to control symptoms of uremic pruritus.

Uremic Itch Medications

There are many medications that can be used to control symptoms of uremic pruritus. A few treatment options physicians may prescribe based on the severity of symptoms and your individual health include:

Nonspecific itch-reducing household products or medications, such as

Moisturizers for dry skin
Camphor, menthol
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and other antihistamines
Capsaicin

Medications to reduce factors in the blood that cause itch

Kayexelate for potassium
Cholestyramine for bile acids (made by the liver and secreted by the gallbladder)

Neurologic medications to reduce itch

Pramoxine lotion
Lidocaine
Amitriptyline
Pregabalin and gabapentin
Nalfurafine

Immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation

Dupilumab
Thalidomide

Dialysis can decrease blood levels of electrolytes and other substances that worsen itch by damaging nerves and over-activating the immune system.

Phototherapy can also reduce itch.

Uremic Itch

Treating Neuropathic Itch

Article Teaser: There are many medications that can be used to control symptoms of neuropathic itch.

Neuropathic Itch Medications

There are many medications that can be used to control symptoms of neuropathic itch. A few treatment options physicians may prescribe based on the severity of symptoms and your individual health include:

Nonspecific itch-reducing household products or medications, such as

Calamine lotion
Camphor, menthol
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Capsaicin

Treatment of specific systemic disorders:

Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors) to stabilize blood sugar levels
Multiple sclerosis medications (interferon, corticosteroids) to treat long-term and treat flare-ups

Neurologic medications to reduce itch

Lidocaine
Amitriptyline
Pregabalin and gabapentin
Naltrexone

Botulinum injections (Botox) can reduce nerve over-activation

Neuropathic Itch

Treating Prurigo Nodularis

Article Teaser: Prurigo Nodularis Medications

Prurigo Nodularis Medications

There is currently one FDA approved therapy, dupilumab, which is an IL-4 Receptor alpha inhibitor and reduces itch, skin lesions, and sleep disturbance. Phototherapy may also be used to reduce itch.

Nonspecific itch-reducing household products or medications

Calamine lotion
Camphor
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

Clobetasol 0.05%
Betamethasone 0.1%

Topical calcineurin inhibitors to reduce itch

Pimecrolimus 1% cream
Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment

Neurologic medications to reduce itch

Amitriptyline
Pregabalin
Naltrexone

Oral immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation

Cyclosporine
Methotrexate
Thalidomide

Prurigo Nodularis

Treating Psoriasis

Article Teaser: There are many medications that can be used to control symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis Medications

There are many medications that can be used to control symptoms of psoriasis. A few treatment options physicians may prescribe based on the severity of symptoms and your individual health include:

Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

Fluocinocide 0.05%
Clobetasol 0.05%
Betamethasone 0.05%
Hydrocortisone 1%
In addition, your provider may prescribe tar along with your steroid cream to further reduce symptoms.

Vitamin D analogs

Calcipotriol
Calcitriol
Tacalcitol

Topical calcineurin inhibitors to reduce itch

Pimecrolimus 1% cream
Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment

Systemic therapies

Methotrexate
Cyclosporine

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors

Apremilast

Biologic agents that target immune cells

Etanercept
Infliximab
Adalimumab
Secukinumab
Ixekinumab
Brodalumab

Psoriasis

Treating Atopic Dermatitis

Article Teaser: There are many potential triggers in the environment and things around you that can cause an eczema flare. Identifying and avoiding potential triggers is an easy way to help get your eczema under control.

Home Remedies

Avoid Triggers

There are many potential triggers in the environment and things around you that can cause an eczema flare. Identifying and avoiding potential triggers is an easy way to help get your eczema under control. See our list of common triggers below.

Dry skin.
Household products – hand soaps, laundry detergent, shampoos, body wash, and surface cleaners.
Fragrances.
Fabrics, especially wool and polyester.
Antibiotic ointments.
Certain chemical dyes.

Keep skin moisturized

Non-hydrated skin is more prone to eczema flares, as dry skin is more prone to irritation and itchiness.

Apply a cold compress to itchy skin areas

This can help to alleviate skin itch and prevent scratching.

Wear cotton gloves and cut fingernails

This can help to limit scratching of the skin which can lead to increased intensity of itch and skin damage.

Atopic Dermatitis Medications

There are many medications that can be used to control symptoms of atopic dermatitis. A few treatment options physicians may prescribe based on the severity of symptoms and your individual health include:

Topical corticosteroids to reduce redness and inflammation

Desonide 0.05% ointment
Hydrocortisone 2.5% ointment
Bethamethasone

Topical calcineurin inhibitors to reduce pain and itch

Pimecrolimus 1% cream
Tacrolimus 0.03 to 0.1% ointment

Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors to reduce itch

Crisaborole

Tricyclic antidepressants can help relieve itch

Doxepin

Oral jak inhibitors

Abrocitinib
Upadacitinib

Oral antihistamines to reduce itch and improve sleep

Diphenhydramine
Hydroxyzine
Cyproheptadine

Oral immunosuppressants to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation

Cyclosporine
Methotrexate
Azathioprine

Monoclonal antibodies to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation

Dupilumab
Tralokinumab

Atopic Dermatitis