10 Best Anti-Itch Creams for Bug Bites, Eczema, and Skin Rashes - Anti-Itch Medicine - Prevention Magazine

Sarna, CeraVe, and Aveeno

Summertime always brings a ton of fun—outdoor adventures, baseball games (if you're into that kind of thing), swimming, grilling, and more. What's not so fun is the season's increased potential for skin irritations. Between bug bites, sweat-induced eczema flare-ups, and surprise encounters with poison ivy while weeding, it's crucial to have the best anti-itch cream on hand that actually works—and fast. Because everyone knows there's nothing's worse than an itch you can't scratch or soothe.

Anti-itch creams can also be used on psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, sun burns, allergic reactions, and more, explains Anar Mikailov, M.D., F.A.A.D., founder of Skintensive. And although you may immediately think of hydrocortisone cream when the topic arises, it's not the only option. "Anti-itch creams often contain an ingredient called pramoxine hydrochloride that acts as a topical anesthetic, minimizing the sensation of itching or pain," explains Rebecca Marcus, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD. "Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone decrease itch by decreasing inflammation." She adds that menthol can also help by stimulating sensations of warmth and cooling, "which detracts from the itch sensation." Even coconut oil, Dr. Mikailov says, has anti-itch properties because it's moisturizing, and dryness can cause your skin to crawl.

How we chose the best anti-itch creams

We asked Dr. Mikailov and Dr. Marcus for their go-to anti-itch cream recommendations. We also researched producs individually and explored hundreds of customer reviews to include some of the market's best-sellers.

Our top picks

Without further ado, soothe your worries and any sudden itches by stocking up on one of these ointments or lotions.

1

Best Overall

CeraVe

Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream

2

Best Hydrocortisone Cream

Cortizone 10

Intensive Healing Creme

3

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Eczema

Eucerin

Eczema Relief Cream

4

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Bug Bites

TriCalm

Anti-Itch Hydrogel

Now 30% off

5

Best Value

Curel

Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

6

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Dry Skin

SKINTENSIVE

Body Butter with Ceramides and Sea Buckthorn Berry

7

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Sensitive Skin

Sarna

Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion

8

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Sunburn

Sarna

Original Anti-Itch Lotion

9

Best Anti-Itch Cream for Adults

Dermeleve® Cream

10

Aveeno

Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

11 How to choose (and use) the best anti-itch cream

Avoid anti-histamines: Dr. Mikailov recommends staying away from these (such as Benadryl creams), as they're specifically for allergic reactions.

Look for active ingredients pramoxine hydrochloride, camphor, menthol, and colloidal oatmeal: These ingredients specifically target the itch, or create a sensation that distracts from it.

Tread lightly with hydrocortisone: "Sometimes over-the-counter, low strength hydrocortisone can help with certain causes of itch, but it is important to limit use to 14 days," says Dr. Mikailov, because steroid cream withdrawal or resistance can develop.

Know that anti-itch creams offer temporary relief: They are not a cure. If your skin irritation worsens quickly, does not resolve within two to three days, or comes with other systemic symptoms, both Dr. Mikailov and Dr. Marcus advise seeking professional help.

"Also, if you have persistent itching and no identifiable rash, it's a good idea to have a doctor evaluate you as generalized itching can be caused by medical conditions including anemia, thyroid disorders, and lymphoma," adds Dr. Marcus.

Kayla Blanton Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer who reports on all things health and nutrition for Men's Health, Women's Health, and Prevention.