Topics

• Tips for Relief
  September 9, 2015

  Reducing Itch Without Medication

  We have all experienced the urge to scratch, a sensation that is usually very hard to resist. Whether it’s all over your body or confined to a specific body part, itchy skin is an uncomfortable, but common, symptom for a number of health conditions. If you have itchy skin, listen to your body and talk […]

  May 18, 2015

  Steroids in Skin Creams – Yay or Nay?

  When you see the word “steroid,” what do you think?  Steroids are naturally occurring substances that are produced in our bodies to regulate growth and immune function. There are many different kinds of steroids, including corticosteroids. Corticosteroids have several functions – one of which is helping to control the inflammation that may cause itch. There […]

  May 18, 2015

  Prep for Success: How to Talk “Itch” with Your Doc

  If you are experiencing an itch and have decided it’s time to call in the professionals, there are several things you can do to help prepare yourself for your doctor’s appointment. “There are numerous causes of pruritus, from bug bites to internal disease to other chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis,” says Vishakha Gigler, M.D. […]

• Managing Acute and Chronic Itch
  May 18, 2015

  Dos and Don’ts of Childhood Eczema

  If you have a child with eczema (or atopic dermatitis), then you know how difficult it is to weed through all of the advice and old wives tales on how to stop the relentless itching and painful flare-ups. From bleach baths to taping socks on your child’s hands; family, friends and the Internet offer a […]

  May 18, 2015

  Living with Sensitive Skin

  Living with sensitive skin can be difficult in today’s world. With the plethora of skin care products available to you, navigating through the ingredient list to discern what causes your irritation can be aggravating. Depending upon the level of your skin’s sensitivity, your reaction to an allergen can be a minor skin rash or a […]

  May 18, 2015

  Treatments for Itchy Skin

  In the previous post on itchy skin, we discussed the data on the prevalence of itch and the lack of satisfactory itch treatments. Here, we take a deeper dive into available itch treatments and their efficacy and safety. Topical Antihistamines There are more than 70 distinct chemicals that are believed to mediate itch symptoms. Histamine is […]