Capsaicin, a compound derived from chillies thought to disrupt the itch signal in nerves, but applicable to limited areas only. Uraemic pruritus arises in patients undergoing dialysis is due to a combination of xerosis (dry skin), secondary hyperparathyroidism, peripheral neuropathy (nerve changes) and inflammation. This lotion also contains pramoxine which helps to soothe and reduce itching. Pramoxine is considered a topical anesthetic, meaning that it stops nerves from sending pain signals. Menthol: This ingredient creates a numbing sensation on the skin and distracts the itch receptors so that your body is no longer focused on the itchiness, Dr. Waldman says.

Antihistamine creams: Antihistamines work to reduce allergic reaction to environmental triggers like a bug bite or skin irritation from plants like poison oak and poison ivy. Topical antihistamines can be found in several forms including cream, lotion, spray, ointment, and gel. In Graves' disease ( thyrotoxicosis), increased blood flow, skin temperature and decreased itch threshold mediated by the increase in thyroid hormones, lead to the itch. Pruritus associated with myxoedema and hypothyroidism is rare, and if present, is more likely the result of xerosis ( dry skin). In chronic hepatitis C infection, the mechanisms responsible for itch remain unclear. In the absence of cholestasis, pruritus may be related to antiviral therapy; it has been noted to occur in patients treated with combination therapy (interferon alfa and ribavirin). Dr. Young adds that while there are many effective options available, it’s most important to follow the product’s directions for best results.Local anaesthetics, such as pramoxine (also called pramocaine), applied to small itchy spots such as insect bites Uraemic pruritus can be associated with several non-specific cutaneous features resulting from repetitive scratching. Secondary hyperparathyroidism which also occurs in dialysis patients leads to microprecipitation ( deposition) of calcium and magnesium salts in the skin, triggering mast cell degeneration, releasing serotonin and histamine.

mild steroid cream (usually for only a few days) for small, inflamed areas – hydrocortisone cream is available from pharmacies over the counter, or your GP can prescribe a steroid cream for youAnti-epileptic drugs such as sodium valproate, gabapentinand pregabalin may also be of benefit to some patients, e.g., those with itch associated with renal failure or neuropathic itch. The mechanism of action is uncertain. Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy alone, or in conjunction with UVA, has been shown to be helpful for pruritus associated with chronic kidney disease, psoriasis, atopic eczema and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Behavioural therapy Cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are expressed on cutaneous sensory nerve fibers, mast cells and keratinocytes. 70 When administered topically to patients via patch delivery, a cannabinoid receptor agonist attenuated histamine-induced itch in humans. This effect was thought to be due to decreased neurogenic stimulation as opposed to decreased histaminergic activity since histamine-induced protein extravasation was still elevated in the skin as measured by microdialysis. 71 N-palmitoylethanolamine, a cannabinoid receptor CB2 agonist, has been compounded into creams and shown to reduce pruritus within days in patients with AD, lichen simplex chronicus, prurigo nodularis, and uremic pruritus. 72– 74 Thus far, compounds with N-palmitoylethanolamine have been tolerated well with few to no side effects. 74 Regular use of non-soap cleansers and applying emollients, such as cetomacrogol + glycerol or petrolatum several times daily The Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream earned the top spot on our list because it’s a steroid cream that includes hydrating ingredients that help soothe dry skin. As the name suggests, this product 1% hydrocortisone—an ingredient studies have found is effective in treating itchy skin. This is the maximum amount of hydrocortisone you can get in an over-the-counter treatment. But what makes this a stand-out cream is that it also includes colloidal oatmeal—an ingredient that works to soothe irritated skin, as well as vitamin E and aloe further work to hydrate and soothe dry skin.