An anti-itch cream is used for cases of itching caused by insect bites, rashes or poison ivy. An anti-itch cream can be bought over the counter or if a stronger strength is needed, a doctor will be able to provide a prescription. There are different types of anti-creams and these can be differentiated by their ingredients. These creams can contain one of three medications, that is, steroids, antihistamines or anesthetics. Anti-itch creams that are usually prescribed by a physician contain a topical steroid.
Higher potency ones are usually prescribed by a doctor while up to 1% strengths can be bought over the counter. Topical steroids should always be used as directed by a physician and is generally quite safe to use for the duration that it is prescribed for. Long term use of any steroid creams or medications is not advisable as they have side effects. Anti-itch creams are a good item to have in a first aid kit as one never knows when an itch might be caused by hives or even poison ivy whilst outdoors. Children especially can be quite agitated by scratching the itch quite vigorously making it worse and having a cream that can give some comfort is a great relief in such situations.
Itching can also be caused by extremely dry skin that is cracked as in the case of eczema or allergic reactions and dermatitis. Most of the time, these conditions can be controlled by applying an anti-itch cream. When using a steroidal cream, be aware of any side effects that may arise and if it gets worse or you feel it is serious, stop using the cream and see your physician. There are also non-steroidal creams that give relief and these can be combined with a steroidal cream to give maximum relief and comfort. These creams might contain ingredients such as oatmeal or Aloe Vera to soothe and comfort the skin and are typically used for mild cases of rashes and insect bites.
If the itch is caused by an infection, then a physician's advice should be sought for the best possible course of treatment instead of using an over the counter medication. Itchiness can be caused by various factors including allergies, bites, cuts, burns or an infection and different conditions require specific treatments. Even if the treatment is an anti-itch cream, the ingredients contained in these creams are specific to a condition. There are milder anti-itch creams that can be purchased over the counter and your pharmacist would be able to advise you on the best ones for general use.
If, however, the itch is not resolved after application of the cream, a trip to see your physician would be a good idea. Your doctor would then be able to diagnose the cause of the itch and be able to prescribe an appropriate course of action. Having itchy skin is not pleasant and can be quite distressing for adults and children alike and getting it under control as soon as possible is the best thing to do. If used for short durations and instructions are strictly followed when using a steroidal anti-itch cream, side effects are usually minimal and it should give fast relief and comfort.
Higher potency ones are usually prescribed by a doctor while up to 1% strengths can be bought over the counter. Topical steroids should always be used as directed by a physician and is generally quite safe to use for the duration that it is prescribed for. Long term use of any steroid creams or medications is not advisable as they have side effects. Anti-itch creams are a good item to have in a first aid kit as one never knows when an itch might be caused by hives or even poison ivy whilst outdoors. Children especially can be quite agitated by scratching the itch quite vigorously making it worse and having a cream that can give some comfort is a great relief in such situations.
Itching can also be caused by extremely dry skin that is cracked as in the case of eczema or allergic reactions and dermatitis. Most of the time, these conditions can be controlled by applying an anti-itch cream. When using a steroidal cream, be aware of any side effects that may arise and if it gets worse or you feel it is serious, stop using the cream and see your physician. There are also non-steroidal creams that give relief and these can be combined with a steroidal cream to give maximum relief and comfort. These creams might contain ingredients such as oatmeal or Aloe Vera to soothe and comfort the skin and are typically used for mild cases of rashes and insect bites.
If the itch is caused by an infection, then a physician's advice should be sought for the best possible course of treatment instead of using an over the counter medication. Itchiness can be caused by various factors including allergies, bites, cuts, burns or an infection and different conditions require specific treatments. Even if the treatment is an anti-itch cream, the ingredients contained in these creams are specific to a condition. There are milder anti-itch creams that can be purchased over the counter and your pharmacist would be able to advise you on the best ones for general use.
If, however, the itch is not resolved after application of the cream, a trip to see your physician would be a good idea. Your doctor would then be able to diagnose the cause of the itch and be able to prescribe an appropriate course of action. Having itchy skin is not pleasant and can be quite distressing for adults and children alike and getting it under control as soon as possible is the best thing to do. If used for short durations and instructions are strictly followed when using a steroidal anti-itch cream, side effects are usually minimal and it should give fast relief and comfort.