Allergic Itching Treatment & Prevention
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.