Dr. Diego Ruiz da Silva returns to dive deep into effective treatments for chronic itching, explaining why antihistamines often fall short and highlighting more successful approaches. His expertise from running a dedicated itching clinic offers practical solutions for one of dermatology's most frustrating and persistent problems.
• Antihistamines only effectively treat specific types of itch like hives, despite being widely recommended
• Moisturizing is crucial for all itching conditions as it repairs the skin barrier that protects against irritants
• Thick, bland moisturizers applied right after bathing are most effective for locking in moisture
• Natural supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and oral ceramides can help manage itch from within
• Off-label neurological medications like gabapentin can interrupt the itch-anxiety cycle
• Phototherapy using narrow-band UVB light effectively reduces inflammation
• Home phototherapy units are becoming more accessible and may be covered by insurance
• Neuropathic itching may respond to medications borrowed from pain management
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