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Suggest OTC Medication For Itchy Skin
What is the best over the counter anti-histamine for itchy skin? My hands are swollen and itchy, a little on my arms, and some on my shins. It flares up and calms down through the day. Usually happens in the winter months, but it s not dry skin. I can t figure out what I m allergic to and saw my primary care physician last year about it.
Wed, 25 Apr 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Rashes and swelling of hands and arms with severe itching seems to be most probably due to allergic reaction that can be commonly due to skin irritants like creams or lotions, detergents, soaps, poison ivy. However, certain medicines, foods and bed bugs or bug/insect bites can also be a cause.
I would suggest you to consult an Allergist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like allergic tests like Patch test, RAST test, food challenge test etcetera can help in diagnosis and treatment.
The allergist can advise to take oral anti-allergics as well as injectable steroids for relief. As of now, you can take anti-allergics like Benadryl, Allegra to control the itching and swelling.
Do cool compresses. Application of calamine lotion can help in soothing the skin.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Rashes and swelling of hands and arms with severe itching seems to be most probably due to allergic reaction that can be commonly due to skin irritants like creams or lotions, detergents, soaps, poison ivy. However, certain medicines, foods and bed bugs or bug/insect bites can also be a cause.
I would suggest you to consult an Allergist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like allergic tests like Patch test, RAST test, food challenge test etcetera can help in diagnosis and treatment.
The allergist can advise to take oral anti-allergics as well as injectable steroids for relief. As of now, you can take anti-allergics like Benadryl, Allegra to control the itching and swelling.
Do cool compresses. Application of calamine lotion can help in soothing the skin.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Honey Arora
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