An array of prescription and over-the-counter anti-itch therapies are can be used for relief of itchiness. Non-chemical remedies include cooling, warming, and soft stimulation.

A variety of creams and sprays are available for use as topical antipruritics and are often over-the-counter. Oral anti-itch medications are also available but are often only obtainable by prescription. The active ingredients usually belong to the following classes:

• Topical emollients with maintaining skin moisture when xerosis is the underlying cause for pruritis
• Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone topical cream
• Local anesthetics, such as benzocaine topical cream
• Topical capsacin ^[1]
• Crotamiton (trade name Eurax) is an antipruritic agent available as a cream or lotion, often used to treat scabies. Its mechanism of action remains unknown.
• Counterirritants, such as mint oil, menthol, or camphor ^[2]
• Phototherapy is helpful for severe itching, especially if caused by kidney failure. The common type of light used is UVB.

Sometimes, scratching can relieve isolated itches, hence the existence of devices such as the back scratcher. Often, however, scratching can intensify itching and even cause further damage to the skin, dubbed the “itch-scratch-itch cycle.

There is no studies conducted to investigate the effectiveness of emollient creams, cooling lotions, topical corticosteroids, topical antidepressants, systemic antihistamines, systemic antidepressants, systemic anticonvulsants, and phototherapy on chronic itchiness of unknown origin.^[3]