These Anti-Itch Creams Will Save You From Dry, Itchy Skin

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Whether you have itchy, irritated skin from an allergic reaction, skin sensitivity, or pesky bug bite, one thing is for sure: You want relief ASAP. And when something simple like an ice pack isn't going to cut it, you may want to have one of the best anti-itch creams in your back pocket.

Before running to your local pharmacy, medical experts caution: It's important to get to the bottom of what may be behind your skin itch. Sometimes itchy skin may need additional, or longer-term, treatment, like when your discomfort is caused by skin barrier disruption, skin dryness, a genetic predisposition, or inflammatory conditions like eczema, says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD. Many times, though, itchy skin is innocent enough—due to mosquito bites, poison ivy, or even seasonal allergies, for example—and the best anti-itch creams can be a real life-saver.

Best Anti-Itch Creams

What to consider

Ingredients

“Anti-itch creams use several different types of active ingredients, and choosing between them means knowing how they work so you can opt for the right ingredient for the right purpose,” says dermatologist Dr. Rajani Katta, MD. When browsing the aisles, you'll find five main types.

Hydrocortisone

One major ingredient found in anti-itch creams is hydrocortisone, which fights skin inflammation. The products sold over the counter have a low concentration of hydrocortisone, which is a topical steroid. “Applied to the skin, hydrocortisone helps reduce redness, itching, and the other symptoms of skin inflammation,” Dr. Katta explains. However, topical steroids can produce side effects, and they're meant for short-term use only. If you’re using it for more than two weeks and not seeing improvement, she recommends talking to your dermatologist.

Topical anesthetics

Another major category of ingredients is topical anesthetics. These products don’t actually reduce any skin inflammation. Rather, the ingredients numb the skin so you don’t feel the itch anymore. Examples include pramoxine, benzocaine, and lanacaine.

Topical antihistamines

You’re likely familiar with antihistamines if you have allergies. “These battle the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the body that can cause itching,” Dr. Katta explains. One example would be diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Cooling creams

One way to quell skin irritation? Cool it down. "Menthol/phenol creams provide a cooling effect on the skin that helps combat the sensation of itching," says Dr. Katta.

Oatmeal

Lastly, another ingredient that can help is colloidal oatmeal, which exerts soothing qualities for irritated skin.

Application

Some types of anti-itch creams, like hydrocortisone creams, should only be applied a handful of times per day at most. While these anti-itch creams tend to offer long-lasting relief, this may be frustrating for someone who feels like they need treatment more often. For those in-between times, consider an anti-itch cream, like an oatmeal-based lotion, that can be used for relief as needed.

Size

Many anti-itch creams come in very small 1- to 3-ounce tubes. While these are great for spot treatments, they don't work well for rashes that cover large areas like the back. Consider stocking a larger container for these purposes.

How we chose

To find the best anti-itch cream for common triggers, the Women's Health team consulted three dermatologists, plus asked our team of anonymous testers and our in-house editors for feedback on formulas that have worked for them. Read on for our final list of the best anti-itch creams for bug bits, hives, rashes, and more.

Maximum Strength Intensive Moisture Anti-Itch Cream

All of the dermatologists we spoke to agree: This is a great anti-itch cream to keep on hand in your medicine cabinet. “For mosquito bites or mild cases of poison ivy, the product I recommend most often is hydrocortisone formulated as a single active ingredient, which can be found in this ointment,” says Dr. Katta. Because it contains 1% hydrocortisone and aloe—both anti-inflammatory agents—it works best for severe itching, notes Dr. Martin Smith, a double board-certified allergist and immunologist at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland and co-founder of Untoxicated Skincare, though he cautions against using it every day, since it's a steroid-based cream.

Read more: Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

Moisturizing Cream for Itch Relief

If your skin itchiness is a result of something like dry skin from cold winter air or an angry sunburn, Dr. Katta says this gentle cream is a good option. It can even be used to treat any itchiness caused by insect bites, she adds. It's steroid-free for daily use, and is instead powered by 1% Pramoxine Hydrochloride, a local anesthetic (i.e. a numbing agent). It also contains niacinamide to help soothe skin, plus hyaluronic acid to help infuse the skin barrier with moisture. Our editors love the big size of the tub—great for large areas of the body.

Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream

Aveeno anti-itch cream is a top pick to stymie scratchiness, says Dr. Katta, who recommends this cream for those with dry skin in need of a strong moisturizer. It's suitable for even the most sensitive skin, because it quells itch with ultra-gentle and soothing colloidal oatmeal. It's both steroid- and fragrance-free, and you can use it as often as needed. Our testers rave about the formula, noting just how well it works on dry, itchy skin—even cracked elbows! They also like that, even though it's fragrance-free, it has a very light scent from the oatmeal and isn't at all medicinal-smelling like some other creams.

Soothing Steroid-Free Anti-Itch Hydrogel

"This is a soothing gel formula and works by constricting blood vessels locally and it is steroid free," says Dr. Smith. It works to treat a wide range of itch-inducing events, including mosquito and other bug bites, rash from plants like poison ivy and poison oak, athlete's foot, jewelry and cosmetic allergies, and chronic skin conditions like eczema. The formula is clear and unscented and safe for daily use. Testers recommend popping it in the fridge for a cooling sensation upon application, noting that can help improve itchiness too.

Zinc Oxide 20% Skin Protectant Barrier Ointment

If you’re looking for an anti-itch solution for sensitive areas (like your vagina and anus), Dr. Zeichner recommends this ointment containing zinc oxide. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and will help coat the surface of your skin and prevent chafing, he explains. FYI, this is the same type of cream used to treat diaper rash, making it a versatile pick for families to stock in their medicine cabinet—just in case. The only downside to this kind of versatility? It does have that tell-tale smell of traditional diaper rash ointment.

Pain & Itch Relief Antiseptic Gel

This medicated gel is a good option to instantly relieve itching from bug bites and stings, irritated skin, and even minor burns. The antiseptic properties—powered by camphor, which Dr. Smith says is safer for regular use—also help kill germs and prevent infection. Users say it works quickly to take away both itchiness and pain, plus say the relief they get from the clear formula is longer-lasting than most others they've tried.

Original Anti-Itch Lotion

Another worthy drugstore option to treat itch caused by a wide range of things, including insect bites, poison ivy, and sunburn. "It contains camphor and menthol, which relieves itch by producing a cooling effect," explains Dr. Smith. We like it, because it's steroid-free and inexpensive, but gets the job done. The brand also makes a sensitive formula that's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, but that one is powered by pramoxine hydrochloride instead, so you won't get that same cooling effect.

1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Relief Cream

Formulated with 1% hydrocortisone, this cream contains enough active ingredient to stop even severe itches, as indicated by the dermatologists we spoke to. But what we like most about this particular formula is that you'll also get the added bonus ingredient of triple oat complex to relieve the dryness and irritation that can come with scratchy skin. It also contains aloe and vitamin E—well-known skin soothers. Use it for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, or use it to treat discomfort caused by bug bites, poison ivy, or allergies from soap and detergent.

1% Hydrocortisone Cream

Most hydrocortisone creams come in small tubes better suited for spot treatments. But what if you get a big angry rash from something like poison ivy, and it's taking over a large area like your legs or your back? This 16-ounce tub will tackle the problem with the same 1% strength as those spot treatments, offering you the relief you need without the hassle or the expense of stretching small tubes. Users say it does have a slight medicinal smell, but the smooth cream absorbs quickly and the scent goes away with it.

Is it safe to use an anti-itch cream everyday?

Depending on what type of cream you pick, it can be safe to apply an anti-itch cream every day, says Dr. Smith. "Creams that are safe for daily use include those containing camphor, calamine, and capsaicin," he says. "I would not use a steroid or lidocaine cream daily, as cumulatively these can have nasty side effects."

Can the ingredients in anti-itch creams interact with other medications?

Some creams, like topical lidocaine, can interact with medications such as antiarrhythmic drugs (heart medication), like amiodarone or propafenone, says Dr. Smith. "Creams that are safe to use with most other medications include those containing calamine, camphor, and capsaicin."

Which cream is best for severe itching?

"For severe itching a steroid-containing cream such as Cortizone-10 will work best," says Dr. Smith. It contains 1% hydrocortisone and aloe, both of which are anti-inflammatory, he explains. Just remember: Dr. Smith advises against using steroid-based creams on a daily basis, plus notes they can interact with some medications. If you have concerns, it's best to check with your physician first.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD is the director of cosmetic and clinical research and an associate professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

• Dr. Rajani Katta, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who serves as voluntary clinical faculty of both the Baylor College of Medicine and the McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Houston.

• Dr. Martin Smith, MD, is a double board-certified allergist and immunologist at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland and co-founder of Untoxicated Skincare.

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