Rating of the best remedies for itchy skin for 2024

One of the most common reasons for seeking medical advice is itchy skin. It is very annoying, reduces the ability to work, creates discomfort, sleep disturbances. Itching occurs most often due to fungal infections or an allergic reaction. The TOP of the most effective remedies for itchy skin will help solve this unpleasant problem.

Itchy skin: what is it, causes

Itchy skin can simultaneously act on the nerves and irritate, but if you manage to satisfy this annoying need even for a minute, a feeling of pleasure appears. Let's see what characteristics medicine and physiology will give to itchy skin.

A strong urge to scratch the skin occurs due to the fact that blood rushes to the receptors in the upper layer of the skin. Acids, waste products or hormones in the blood can irritate the receptors. Excessive release of any compound is usually a response to a disease or event. Depending on this, groups of factors are distinguished that can cause itching.

Anyone can get itching, regardless of gender or age. Its occurrence can be a wide range of various factors that are associated or not associated with the course of the disease.

Itching of the skin is a symptom that can be accompanied by a huge number of external signs that indicate various types of pathologies. To determine the etiological factor from which a similar symptom follows, and to give an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct an instrumental and laboratory examination.

The cause of pruritus determines the tactics of therapy, but for most cases, conservative methods are sufficient.

Symptoms

Itching of the skin is mainly caused by the course of various diseases, therefore, in addition to the main symptoms, other signs of skin lesions can be observed. Such specific clinical manifestations include:

1. The appearance of red spots on the skin, often with a clear border. They are often covered with vesicles and protrude above the surface of the skin. With individual diseases, several areas of redness can merge into one.
2. The skin flakes off, and the flaking scales cause serious discomfort.
3. There is a burning sensation.
4. As a result of constant scratching, wounds and scratches appear in problem areas, as well as characteristic rashes.
5. In places of bursting bubbles or abscesses, crusts form.

The listed clinical manifestations are often symptoms of liver disease. But there are other signs that signal liver problems:

1. Strong gassing.
2. Defecation disorders with diarrhea or constipation. There may be an alternation of both.
3. The urine becomes dark in color, and the feces, on the contrary, become discolored.
4. The skin and mucous membranes turn yellow.

Often, itching occurs without any rash. In such cases, you can pay attention to the bitterness in the mouth, as well as general malaise.

If the onset of the problem was influenced by physiological reasons, for example, pregnancy, then the list of additional signs can be supplemented with the following:

1. Sleep disturbance or lack of sleep.
2. A state of irritability.
3. Depression.
4. Feeling of emotional and physical discomfort.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that all of the above factors are only the main signs accompanying the appearance of itching of the skin. All symptoms are strictly individual. There are exceptions when, apart from the main symptom, no signs are noted. This happens with diseases of the hematopoietic system or mental disorders.

Drug therapy

If you cannot do without drugs, antihistamines become the basis of treatment, as the main means of regulating the irritability of nerve endings by reducing the amount of free histamine. Antihistamines are considered type 1 histamine receptor blockers and are classified into several classes.

Everyone knows the first one very well. This class includes drugs such as Tavegil, Diazolin, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine. Their action in modern conditions is considered rude, and the drugs themselves are outdated, since they have side effects: sedation, drowsiness. But, oddly enough, these side effects can even be beneficial for those suffering from chronic itchy skin, since the drugs have an effect on muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

For patients with pronounced neuroses, insomnia and severe irritability, who are exhausted from itching, such side effects can be salvation, as they will bring relief by helping to calm down and make it easier to fall asleep.

I would like to remind you that each drug is first given an international non-proprietary name or INN. The following are the most popular commercial names, the first of which is the name of the original drug under which it was marketed.

The best remedies for itching

The inclusion or non-inclusion of individual drugs in the rating, as well as the sequence of presentation of information is not intended to create advertising or anti-advertising, due to current clinical guidelines. It also takes into account the sequence in which drugs are listed on popular pharmaceutical sites.

2nd generation antihistamines

The basis for the treatment of severe chronic itching is second-generation antihistamines that do not have a sedative effect, since they do not have the ability to penetrate into the structures of the nervous system.

Fenistil

A drug that is very popular. It can be prescribed in various dosage forms and for internal use - in the form of tablets and drops, and for external use - in the form of a gel. The use of this drug is allowed even for infants.

Recommended for eczema, itchy dermatoses, hives, insect bites and mild burns. It has antipruritic and anti-allergic effects. Since the gel does not contain hormones, its use does not cause any side effects at all.

The drug is applied to problem areas 2-4 times a day. Its effect is felt within a few minutes, reaching maximum efficiency in 1-4 hours.

Important! With severe itching, the drug is recommended to be used only as directed by a doctor.

• adults need to use the drug no longer than 30 days;
• highly effective;
• pleasant neutral smell, without fragrances;
• easy to apply;
• quick relief;
• the appointment is allowed to infants from the second month of life.

• causes dry mouth;
• pupils dilate;
• the heart rate increases.
• other side effects are anticholinergic actions.

Loratadin

A popular antihistamine to combat allergies. It is included in the Russian list of drugs necessary for life, approved by the Government of the Russian Federation. Loratadine relieves seasonal exacerbations and reduces symptoms of allergic reactions.

The drug is available in two forms - syrup and tablets, the main active ingredient of which is loratadine.

In addition to loratadine, the tablets contain croscarmellose sodium, stearic acid calcium, lactose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and potato starch. Tablets from different pharmaceutical companies differ in composition, shape and color, as well as in the type of packaging. Both regular tablets and effervescent tablets are available, which dissolve in water.

The syrup contains, in addition to loratadine, citric acid, purified water, sorbitol and flavorings. Its packaging and composition also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The drug is produced by several domestic pharmaceutical companies, so the rules for its storage may vary. You can buy it at any pharmacy without a prescription. After purchasing Loratadine, you must carefully read the instructions for use to find out how to properly store the drug.

• low price;
• high European quality, as it is included in the list of vital medicines.

• headaches.

Erius

Erius can rightfully be considered a safe modern drug that is approved for use by children from the age of six months. It belongs to the group of agents that block receptors, so that it does not have a hypnotic or sedative effect. Erius significantly alleviates the condition not only with itchy skin, but also with all kinds of allergic edema, and the effect after its use has a long duration. The drug has proven itself well in the treatment of classic allergic diseases - Quincke's edema, conjunctivitis, urticaria or allergic rhinitis.

Erius comes in two forms - syrup and tablets.
Taking this drug with strict adherence to the specified dosage does not affect the decrease in attention while driving a car or working with moving mechanisms. The maximum allowable daily dose is one tablet.

• good efficiency;
• quality at a high level;
• causes very few side effects.

• if the dosage is exceeded, dry mouth, a feeling of severe fatigue and headaches appear;
• reception is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.

Allegra

French-made drug from the well-known company Sanofi-Aventis. Allegra is a new generation antihistamine with a complete absence of side effects observed during the use of earlier drugs and alpha-blockers. The positive effect is noticeable within an hour, and its duration after a single dose lasts 24 hours. The drug is not addictive and does not require an increase in dosage, no matter how long it takes to take it. Allegra is prescribed for chronic itching of various forms, chronic urticaria, allergic rhinitis.

When prescribing the drug, care must be taken for people with hepatic or renal insufficiency or pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Allegra is considered to be an effective remedy for both symptomatic pruritus and prurigo.

• a small number of contraindications;
• fast action;
• convenient dosage regimen - one tablet per day;
• long-term action.

• has side effects: nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle pain, cough;
• contraindicated in children under 12 years old, pregnant and lactating mothers, people with high sensitivity to the main components.

Zodak-Express

The drug is produced by the Czech company Zentiva, the package contains 7 tablets of 5 mg each. Zodak is used for both acute and chronic itching, it can be prescribed for almost any allergic disease - from Quincke's edema to urticaria. Does not cause side effects - dry mouth, drowsiness, changes in pupil size, urinary retention.

The usual regimen is one tablet once a day. For the treatment of a small child, it is possible to prescribe the drug in the form of drops.

• the ability to selectively block histamine receptors without causing undesirable side effects;
• convenient regimen of administration - once a day;
• long-term effect of a single dose;
• ideal for compliance.

• some increase in appetite;
• headaches;
• increased fatigue.

Preparations for external therapy

The use of drugs for local exposure will give a positive effect only in the presence of itchy dermatosis with an altered state of the skin - the formation of papules or bumps, blisters, vesicles or vesicles filled with transparent contents that cause severe itching. These elements are considered primary.

Secondary morphological elements, different from the primary ones, are traces of scratching, crusts, wounds with suppuration, etc. They arise as a result of scratching on the skin, which remains practically unchanged, thus violating the integrity of the skin and threatening the addition of a secondary infection. The main goals of the use of external agents for severe chronic itching are to reduce the intensity of itching, drying, antibacterial and disinfecting effects. We propose to consider the most famous drugs.

Losterin, zinc-naphthalan paste

The preparation is in the form of a cream, which is perfect for the daily care of problem skin. It is based on a natural oil compound - deresined naphthalan, and it contains urea, salicylic acid, zinc oxide and additional components. Due to the presence of urea, Losterin is able to penetrate deep into the epidermis and produce a stronger exfoliating effect. Also, the drug has a long-term analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, vasodilating effect.

Salicylic acid does not allow microorganisms to develop, and panthenol, vitamin E and a complex of fatty acids present in the composition regulate the water and lipid balance, providing a trophic effect. The drug is approved for long-term use, taken 2-3 times a day.

• lack of toxicity;
• easy to carry;
• sold without a doctor's prescription;
• in combination therapy with antihistamines reduces the sensitivity of skin receptors, is able to increase the reflex threshold of itching;
• does not allow a secondary infection to join, helps to get rid of dryness, the appearance of cracks due to frequent scratching.

• individual reaction to naphthalan or perfume composition. When the skin smells like oil, others are not very comfortable.

Ichthyol ointment, paste, cream (ichtammol)

In dermatology, ichthyol ointment is very popular. The drug is available in the form of an ointment, paste or cream, the most effective concentration is considered to be 10% or 20%. Provides effective assistance in the fight against itching - reduces the sensitivity of the skin, gives antimicrobial, anti-streptococcal and anti-staphylococcal effect. The drug has been used successfully to treat neuralgia and various forms of arthritis, in addition to the problem of itchy skin.

The product is applied, without rubbing, on the skin surface in a thin layer 2-3 times a day. At night, it is allowed to cover the treated skin area with a bandage.

• allowed for use by pregnant and lactating mothers;
• ichthyol is usually well tolerated;
• the drug is highly effective;
• cheapness.

• a peculiar smell;
• use is contraindicated for personal intolerance.

Lorinden-A-Elfa

An ointment that has been successfully used to combat itchy skin. Lorinden is very effective for dandruff, dermatitis and seborrhea. The drug is hormonal, in connection with which there are many contraindications, and is dispensed strictly according to the prescription, therefore, a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary. The volume of the tube is 15 mg, the ointment is very sparingly consumed, practically odorless.

The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected skin 1-2 times a day. The drug does not affect the condition of the hair. After the itching disappears, it is recommended to continue using the ointment for 3-4 days. The course of treatment should not exceed 21 days.

• rapid disappearance of itching;
• combined composition;
• the ability to regulate the work of the sebaceous glands.

• dry skin, burning sensation may occur.

Menovazine

A liquid alcoholic product for external use with a pleasant mint aroma due to the mint oil contained in the composition, which has cooling properties. In addition to mint oil, Menovazin contains two components - procaine and benzocaine, which act as local anesthesia. When applied to the skin, such a composition acts in a complex manner. Menthol pleasantly cools, affects nerve endings, has a distracting effect, and reduces itching.

Anesthetics act as pain relievers, penetrate the skin shallowly and affect the transmission of nerve impulses. But at the same time Menovazine is not absorbed into the blood.

• low price;
• nice smell;
• good pain relief;
• absorbs quickly;
• helps with itching, bites, scratches, neuralgia, arthritis.

• there are contraindications: hypersensitivity, violation of the integrity of the skin, inflammatory skin diseases at the site of the intended application;
• not very convenient bottle;
• with frequent use, side effects such as slight dizziness and low blood pressure may occur;
• use caution for pregnant and lactating mothers.

Itchy skin causes significant discomfort and irritation. Heavy and frequent scratching can lead to the formation of microcracks through which pathogenic microbes freely enter the body and cause a secondary infection that increases itching. You can get rid of it quickly and easily by using special ointments that are selected strictly individually, taking into account all the symptoms.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after a thorough examination and passing the necessary tests. This is the only way to choose the right treatment regimen and get rid of itching forever.