The type of treatment that you receive for itching will depend on the cause. If you are referred for further investigations, the treatment advice outlined below may help to provide some relief in the meantime.
Bathing
When bathing or showering you should:
- use cool or lukewarm water (not hot)
- avoid using perfumed soap, shower gel or deodorants; unperfumed lotions or aqueous cream are available from your pharmacist
- use unperfumed moisturising lotions and emollients after bathing or showering to help prevent your skin becoming too dry
Clothing and fabric
Regarding clothing and bed linen, you should:
- avoid wearing clothes that irritate your skin, such as wool and some man-made fabrics
- wear cotton whenever possible
- avoid tight-fitting clothes
- use mild laundry detergent that will not irritate your skin
- use cool, light, loose bedclothes
Medication
With regard to medication, you can:
- use an oily moisturiser if your skin is dry or flaky
- use mild steroid cream (for no longer than seven days); for localised itchy areas, hydrocortisone cream is available from pharmacies over the counter, or your GP can prescribe a steroid cream for you
- use antihistamine tablets to help control allergic reactions and help break the itch-scratch cycle; however, consult your GP before using these because they are not suitable for all cases of itching
Some antidepressants such as paroxetine or sertraline can help relieve itching (if your GP prescribes these, it does not mean that you are depressed).
If you have itching in hairy areas, such as your scalp, lotions can be prescribed specifically for these areas, rather than using sticky creams.
Additional advice
Using a cold compress such as damp flannel, or applying soothing calamine lotion to the affected area of skin, may help to relieve your itching.
