General home care for itching include:

• Cleanse itching skin with soap and water.
• Take a cool bath or shower to reduce itching. Consider using colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno).

Medications for itching include:

• An oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• For children (1 to 6 years) give 6.25-12.5 mg of Benadryl every four to six hours
• For children (6-12 years) give 12.5-25 mg of diphenhydramine every four to six hours
• Adults may take 25 to 50 mg of diphenhydramine every four to six hours as needed
• Anti-itching cream such as:
• Calamine
• Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
• A steroid cream such as a 0.5 to 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment such as:
• Cortaid Maximum Strength
• Cortizone 5
• Cortizone 10
• Cortizone for Kids
• Domeboro Astringent:
• Used as a wet compress on itching skin
• Prescribed oral antihistamines or steroids should be taken as directed

Oral antihistamines can be sedating. Use with caution and do not mix with alcohol or other sedatives. Follow directions on product packaging