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Allergic Itching Treatment & Prevention

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An allergic or irritant itch is often associated with inflammation of the skin — commonly known as a rash — or contact dermatitis. Allergic itch and rash can be caused by skin sensitivities to an insect sting or bite, poison ivy/oak/sumac, certain ingredients in personal care products (e.g., fragrance or harsh detergents), or certain metals in jewelry (e.g., nickel).

Signs of Allergic or Irritant Rash:

  • Redness

  • Swelling or bumps

  • Itchiness

  • Oozing or blistering

  • Flakiness or scaliness of skin

Treatment:

Most rashes are not serious and will go away on their own. Treat the symptoms and wait a few days to see if the rash subsides. If the rash is severe, is accompanied by other symptoms or appears to be quickly getting worse, see a doctor.

Redness caused by inflammation can be treated with a cream containing a hydrocortisone, such as POLYSPORIN® 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, which can be purchased in a drugstore. Itchy skin can be treated by applying a medicated anti-itch cream, such as POLYSPORIN® Itch Relief Lotion, or 1 % Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, or by taking an antihistamine by mouth (e.g., diphenhydramine, cetirizine).

Cleanse the rash with a mild soap and water and apply a light fragrance-free moisturizer. If the rash is oozing, then you should keep it covered lightly with a non-stick dressing to soak up the fluid.

If the rash does not subside within a week or appears to be getting worse, go see your doctor so that you can get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention Tips:

  • Moisturize your skin regularly to avoid dry skin and strengthen the skin barrier to help prevent future inflammation or redness.

  • Keep your baths and showers short, and bathe in lukewarm water to avoid losing your skin's natural oils.

  • Choose fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergents.

  • Avoid itching. Try an anti-itch medicated cream, like POLYSPORIN® Itch Relief Lotion, or POLYSPORIN® 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, if needed.

  • Keep your skin cool, especially when you are sleeping.

  • Create a food diary if your suspect your skin rash or irritation is an allergic reaction to something you have consumed. If you make a connection between a food item and the condition of your skin, eliminate that item from your diet.