Cream for itching
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Effective Creams for Itching Relief: A Comprehensive Review
Ceramide-Containing Creams with Pramoxine Hydrochloride
Ceramide-containing creams with 1% pramoxine hydrochloride, such as CeraVe® Itch Relief Cream, have shown significant efficacy in providing rapid and long-lasting relief from itching, particularly in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Studies indicate that these creams reduce itch severity within minutes of application and maintain their effectiveness for up to 8 hours. They are comparable to hydrocortisone 1% cream in terms of itch relief and are well-tolerated with continued use, providing all-night relief and improving skin health over a 6-day period1.
Salicornia-Based Creams
Salicornia-based creams, derived from halophyte plants, have demonstrated promising results in reducing itching and improving skin barrier function. In a study involving healthy volunteers, a 10% Salicornia-based cream significantly decreased mechanical-evoked itching and histamine-induced neurogenic inflammation after 48 hours of application. The cream also enhanced skin permeability and thermal pain thresholds, indicating its potential as an effective anti-pruritic and analgesic agent2.
Ruxolitinib Cream
Ruxolitinib cream, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic properties in patients with atopic dermatitis. Clinical trials have shown that ruxolitinib cream provides rapid and substantial itch relief, with significant improvements observed as early as 12 hours post-application. The cream also enhances the quality of life for patients by reducing the burden of itching and improving overall skin condition. It is well-tolerated with minimal application site reactions3 4 5 8.
Colloidal Oatmeal Cream
An over-the-counter 1% colloidal oatmeal cream has been found to be as effective as prescription barrier creams in managing mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children. This cream significantly improves eczema severity and reduces itch intensity, making it a safe and effective option for pediatric patients6.
Quercetin Phytosome Cream
Quercetin, a natural antioxidant, formulated in a phospholipid-based delivery system, has shown significant anti-inflammatory and anti-itch effects. In a study, quercetin phytosome cream reduced erythema and wheal diameter induced by various skin stressors, including UV radiation and histamine. This cream also helps restore skin barrier function by increasing hydration and reducing water loss7.
Menthol-Containing Moisturizing Cream
A moisturizing cream containing 3% menthol and ceramides has demonstrated safety and efficacy in reducing itch in both healthy individuals and those with dermatitis. The menthol component provides a cooling sensation that helps alleviate itching, while the ceramides support skin barrier repair. Significant itch reduction was observed within one week of application9.
Beeswax and Herbal Oil Cream
A cream combining beeswax and herbal oils has been found to be more effective than aqueous cream in relieving postburn itch. This cream not only reduces itch severity more effectively but also prolongs the time before itch recurrence and decreases the need for antipruritic medications. These findings suggest that beeswax and herbal oil cream could be a superior alternative for managing postburn pruritis10.
Conclusion
Various creams have been proven effective in relieving itching, each with unique mechanisms and benefits. Ceramide-containing creams with pramoxine hydrochloride, Salicornia-based creams, ruxolitinib cream, colloidal oatmeal cream, quercetin phytosome cream, menthol-containing moisturizing cream, and beeswax and herbal oil cream all offer significant itch relief and improve skin health. The choice of cream may depend on the specific condition, patient preference, and desired duration of relief.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Anti-Pruritic Efficacy of Itch Relief Lotion and Cream in Patients With Atopic History: Comparison With Hydrocortisone Cream.
CeraVe Itch Relief Cream provides rapid and long-lasting itch relief for patients with atopic history, providing comparable relief to hydrocortisone 1% cream and providing all-night relief.
RCTEffects of Salicornia-Based Skin Cream Application on Healthy Humans’ Experimental Model of Pain and Itching
Salicornia-based skin cream application reduces mechanical-evoked itching, analgesic thermal sensation, and modulates skin barrier architecture, potentially benefiting pain and itching in healthy individuals.
RCTEffects of Ruxolitinib Cream on Pruritus and Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis: Results From a Phase 2, Randomized, Dose-Ranging, Vehicle- and Active-Controlled Study.
RUX cream significantly reduces itch and improves quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedTreatment of Atopic Dermatitis With Ruxolitinib Cream (JAK1/JAK2 Inhibitor) or Triamcinolone Cream.
Ruxolitinib cream significantly reduced atopic dermatitis symptoms and rapidly decreased itch, supporting its potential addition to the topical armamentarium for AD.
RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous JournalHighly Cited396 Rapid, substantial and sustained reduction of itch in adults with atopic dermatitis applying ruxolitinib cream 1.5% (SCRATCH-AD)
Ruxolitinib cream 1.5% effectively reduces itch and disease severity in adults with atopic dermatitis, improving their quality of life.
Efficacy and safety of an over-the-counter 1% colloidal oatmeal cream in the management of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children: a double-blind, randomized, active-controlled study
OTC 1% oatmeal cream is equally effective and safe as prescription barrier cream for treating mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in children.
RCTSoothing and anti-itch effect of quercetin phytosome in human subjects: a single-blind study
Quercetin phytosome cream effectively reduces redness, itching, and inflammation of damaged skin, potentially improving skin barrier function and hydration.
RCTEfficacy and Safety of Ruxolitinib Cream for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Results From Two Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind Studies.
RUX cream effectively reduces itch and inflammation in atopic dermatitis patients, with superior efficacy compared to vehicle treatment and well-tolerated side effects.
RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous JournalHighly CitedAalborg Universitet Considerable variability in the efficacy of 8 % capsaicin topical patches in the treatment of chronic pruritus in 3 notalgia paresthetica patients
A 3% menthol-containing moisturizing cream is safe for both healthy individuals and those with dermatitis, significantly reducing itch scores during follow-up.
Non-RCTA Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Comparing Aqueous Cream With a Beeswax and Herbal Oil Cream in the Provision of Relief From Postburn Pruritis
Beeswax and herbal oil cream is more effective in minimizing postburn itch than aqueous cream, reducing itch recurrence and requiring less antipruritic medication.
RCT