Itchy Skin? These Are The OTC Anti-Itch Creams That Derms Recommend

Hydrocortisone is a mild topical steroid that works to decrease inflammation and can be used for most causes of itching skin, said New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Teresa Song. She suggested this itch-relief ointment with a 1% concentration of hydrocortisone by Aquaphor because, according to her, “it is more effective due to the hydrating and occlusive nature of the Aquaphor base.”

“Steroids should be avoided for itching caused by superficial skin infections and healing wounds,” she cautioned.

Another hydrocortisone-containing option we found is this maximum-strength cream by trusted brand Cortizone 10 that is also supplemented with aloe.

“Aloe is an anti-inflammatory and soothing [ingredient] to help relieve irritated skin and associated itching. It’s best for sensitive, post-sunburn or postprocedural skin,” Song said.

This fast-working and fragrance-free cream claims to offer relief for up to 10 hours and can control inflammation associated with poison ivy exposure, eczema, psoriasis and more.

Massachusetts-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anar Mikailov suggested this dermatologist-developed anti-itch cream that doesn’t rely on any kind of steroids to relieve discomfort.

“[This] is a new OTC cream that has aluminum acetate as an active ingredient for itchy skin,” Mikailov said. “It’s also rich in shea butter [and] ceramides and works well on all types of itch.”

In addition to skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, the Dermeleve cream also contains hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin ,and strontium mineral salt, for which there is some clinical evidence to support the claim that it suppresses sensory irritation and histamine-induced itch. Mikailov did say that it’s important to avoid the use of antihistamine creams like Benadryl, as they have the potential to cause contact dermatitis.

Both Mikailov and Song suggested Sarna’s analgesic daily lotion. It contains pramoxine hydrochloride, an ingredient that Song said works by imparting a local numbing sensation to prevent sensing itch.

“This contains camphor and menthol, which gives a cooling sensation to relieve itch. It’s also very moisturizing which is great for dry, irritated skin,” Mikailov said. Song suggested the fast-absorbing sensitive formula.

Another product that features pramoxine hydrochloride as a targeted itch-relieving ingredient is this rich and custard-like cream by CeraVe, a trusted skin care brand that’s earned the approval of many dermatologists, including both Mikailov and Song.

Like all of CeraVe’s products, this cream contains three essential ceramides, which Song explained “are skin’s natural fatty acids and work to build the barrier of the skin. It does not have active anti-itch properties, but works to strengthen the skin barrier so it can be less reactive to common irritants, and is best for eczema patients.”

“This is a steroid-free alternative that contains colloidal oatmeal for anti-inflammatory effects and ceramides for hydration,” Song said of Aveeno’s nighttime itch-relief balm. It promises to act as a skin-protective barrier that offers lasting moisture.

A trusted ingredient for those dealing with eczema-related irritation, colloidal oatmeal works to rehydrate and calm irritated skin, Song said.

“Calamine works by causing a cooling sensation as it dries on the skin to soothe the itch sensation,” Song explained. This time-tested solution for itching associated with poison oak, sumac and ivy exposure can also work as a skin protectant for skin as it relieves the itch.

“It works for all types of irritated skin, but remember to moisturize after,” Song advised.