Health professionals >
Skin Itching (Pruritis)/Dryness >

Skin Itching (Pruritis)/Dryness

Symptoms and Treatments

To relieve dry itchy skin, it is necessary to moisturize often. Also, the skin must be protected from harsh detergents, hot water, and the cold winter air, all of which will rob moisture from the skin. Using a humidifier in the home during the cold winter heating months to replace much-needed moisture into the air may be helpful. Not everyone will have the same response to every product. A few products may need to be tried until one is found to work for the patient.

 

Action

Most Common
Side Effects

     
Over-the-Counter Skin Lotions  
     
KeriCream®
Lubriderm®
Eucerin® moisturizing 
creams and lotions
Nivea®
UltraDerm®
Alpha Keri® bath oil
Aveeno® bath oil & moisturizer
Moisturize skin No significant side effects observed.

Antihistamines (Prescription)
     

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
Hydroxyzine (Atarax®)
Cetirizine (Reactine®)

Block histamine response, thereby decreasing itching Drowsiness, dry mouth.

Other    
     

Colchicine

Reduce inflammation associated with calcinosis Diarrhea

 

Scleroderma Medications Guide (Canada)