Antipruritic Information
Antipruritics, also known as anti-itch drugs, are medications that inhibit the itching (Latin: pruritus) that is often associated with sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites and stings like those from mosquitoes, fleas, and mites, and contact dermatitis and urticaria caused by plants such as poison ivy (urushiol-induced contact dermatitis) or stinging nettle.
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Common antipruritics
Topical antipruritics in the form of creams and sprays are often available over-the-counter. Oral anti-itch drugs also exist and are usually prescription drugs. The active ingredients usually belong to the following classes:
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone topical cream, see topical steroid
- Local anesthetics such as benzocaine topical cream (Lanacaine)
- Counterirritants, such as mint oil, menthol, or camphor[1]
Disputed and questionable antipruritics
- Burow's solution (aluminium acetate)
- Olive oil
- Jewelweed, has been shown to be devoid of any anti-itch activity in several controlled studies [2][3][4][5]
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) comprise a class of medicines commonly used for depression, and are also said to be effective in controlling pruritus in a small number of refractory cases.[6] Mirtazapine, a different type of antidepressant, also has antipruritic effects due to its strong antagonism of the H1 receptor.
- Calamine lotion, containing zinc oxide and iron(III) oxide, is a traditional remedy for mild itching, such as that typically associated with chicken pox - although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asserted that it has little if any effect.[7][8]
- Paste of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water, applied topically[9]
- Ammonium hydroxide (household ammonia), applied topically[9]
Home remedies
- Cooling with ice or cold water (usually stops the itch for as long as the ice or cold water is applied)
- Slightly painful stimulation like rubbing, slapping, scratching, or heating based on a spinal antagonism between pain- and itch-processing neurons
References
- ^ Hercogová J (2005). "Topical anti-itch therapy". Dermatologic therapy 18 (4): 341–3. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2005.00033.x. PMID 16297007.
- ^ D. Long, N. H. Ballentine, J. G. Marks. Treatment of poison ivy/oak allergic contact dermatitis with an extract of jewelweed. Am. J. Contact. Dermat. 8(3):150-3 1997 PMID 9249283
- ^ M. R. Gibson, F. T. Maher. Activity of jewelweed and its enzymes in the treatment of Rhus dermatitis. J. Am. Pharm. Assoc. Am. Pharm. Assoc. 39(5):294-6 1950 PMID 15421925
- ^ J. D. Guin, R. Reynolds. Jewelweed treatment of poison ivy dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis 6(4):287-8 1980 PMID 6447037
- ^ Zink, B. J.; Otten, E.J.; Rosenthal, M.; Singal, B (1991). "The Effect Of Jewel Weed In Preventing Poison Ivy Dermatitis". Journal of Wilderness Medicine 2 (3): 178–182. http://www.wemjournal.org/wmsonline/?request=get-abstract&issn=0953-9859&volume=002&issue=03&page=0178. Retrieved 2008-01-16.
- ^ Lee CS, Koo J (2005). "Psychopharmacologic therapies in dermatology: an update". Dermatologic clinics 23 (4): 735–44. doi:10.1016/j.det.2005.05.015. PMID 16112451.
- ^ "American Topics. An Outdated Notion, That Calamine Lotion". http://www.iht.com/articles/1992/09/09/topi.php. Retrieved 2007-07-19.
- ^ Appel, L.M. Ohmart and R.F. Sterner, Zinc oxide: A new, pink, refractive microform crystal. AMA Arch Dermatol 73 (1956), pp. 316–324. PMID 13301048
- ^ a b Paul Tawrell, Wilderness Camping and Hiking(Falcon Distribution, 2008), 212.
External links
- Frontiers in pruritus research: scratching the brain for more effective itch therapy J. Clin. Invest. 116:1174-1185 (2006). DOI 10.1172/JCI28553
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