Whats the Best Anti Itch Cream/Ointment?

• By npf-2385 (Inactive)
• Reply 1821814
• January 23, 2010 at 12:31 pm
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** Originally posted by DALEG **

I like Eucerin Lotion...............Good luck with the derm!!!!!!!!

• By JerseyMikeK
• Reply 1821815 · In reply to 1821814 by npf-2385
• January 23, 2010 at 12:54 pm
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** Originally posted by MikeK **

Hi Wendy,

I don't think that we've met, so let me take this opportunity to welcome you to the board. :cool: Nice to meet you.

For me the itch is one of the worst parts about having psoriasis, so I know exactly what you're going through. Here's some suggestions (in no particular order) that have helped me and that will hopefully give you some relief:

• Over the counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin, can be a godsend. They may make you groggy so be careful driving, etc.
• ice packs
• Sarna lotion (http://www.stiefel.com/productfamily.aspx?id=177) (I prefer the "sensitive" version. I have a friend who swears by the "original" version", so you may have to experiment to see which one is right for you.)
• Putting on some corn starch;
• taking a cool shower;
• Anti-itch powders creams and lotions such as Gold Bond, can be very helpful. (I usually buy store brands.) Someone who used to post here gave me some samples of Eucerin Itch-Relief Moisturizing Spray. I like it a lot. It's easy to apply because it's a spray and it really does help to relieve the itch. Here's a link for some additional information: http://www.eucerinus.com/products/hb_itch.html. If you can find it, I have several friends who swore by Neutrogena Anti-Itch Moisturizer. It had lidocaine in it. Unfortunately, it's no longer listed on Neutrogena's website and I read on another board (when I Googled) that it may no longer be available.
• Sometimes putting on moisturizer can be very helpful. (When it comes to moisturizers, I try to stick to moisturizers that are labeled "fragrance free", "non-irritating" and/or "for sensitive skin".)
• Taking an oatmeal bath (with a product like Aveeno Oatmeal Soak (Aveeno's website doesn't seem to be working at the moment, so here's a link to Walgreen's description of it: http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Bath-and-Shower/Active-Naturals-Soot hing-Bath-Treatment/ID=prod353119&navCount=0&navAction=push-product) can be very soothing. Cheaper store brands are available.
• I know that you asked for over the counter suggestions, but when all else fails I reach for some Atarax (http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/rx/rx-mono.aspx?contentFileName=Ata1035.html &contentName=Atarax&contentId=61). You'll need a prescription. It makes me very sleepy. So much so that I only use it at night.

Finally, I find that anti-bacterial and/or deodorant soaps tend to irritate my psoriasis, which, in turn, increases the itch factor. Here's a link to a previous discussion about psoriasis and soap: http://talkpsoriasis.org/showthread.php?t=35347&highlight=soaps. The dyes and fragrances in detergent and dryer sheets can also increase the itch factor. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. (I use the "extra rinse" cycle whenever I wash my towels, sheets and underwear. Some people mimic an extra rinse cycle by resetting their washers and rerunning the rinse cycle.)

I hope this helps.

I hope you feel better soon.

Good luck at the derm. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any other questions and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

• By npf-12619 (Inactive)
• Reply 1821816 · In reply to 1821815 by JerseyMikeK
• January 24, 2010 at 11:05 pm
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** Originally posted by LauraG **

Hi Wendy,

Benedryl extra strength cream is the only over-the-counter medication that has ever helped me with the itching. If you've been scratching the skin it might sting when you put it on, but it has been the only thing that would let me get some sleep many times.

Good luck!

Laura

http://www.drugstore.com/qxp13137_333181_sespider/benadryl/itch_stopping_cr eam_extra_strength.htm