Itching can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies. Allergy itching medication is usually in the form of hypo-allergenic or antihistamine drugs. In addition, there are also other types of allergic itching drugs with different ways of working.
Allergies are the body's immune system response to certain substances called allergens. In people who do not have allergies, allergen exposure will not cause a reaction. But when allergic sufferers are exposed to allergens, the immune system will overreact and release histamine. Histamine is released which will cause various allergic symptoms, including itching.
Various Choice of Itching Allergy Medication
When experiencing itching due to allergies, you can overcome it by bathing or compressing the skin using cold water. Of course you also need to stop contact with allergens as soon as possible.
If the itching does not subside, you may need an allergic itch. The following are some choices for allergic itching drugs that can be given by doctors:
1. Topical corticosteroids (topical)
One type is hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a type of mild corticosteroid that can deal with itching due to allergies. This drug is available as an ointment. In addition to relieving itching, hydrocortisone ointment can also relieve swelling and redness arising from allergic or inflammatory reactions.
Before using this medicine, you need to do a doctor's examination first, to determine the cause of the itching that you experience.
2. Calamine ointment
Calamine ointment is made from a mixture of zinc oxide and various other ingredients. This ointment is commonly used to relieve itching due to mild allergic reactions.
How to use it, apply the ointment to the area of itchy skin according to the instructions for use listed on the product packaging. However, avoid applying ointment to the eye, mouth, nose and genitals.
3. Antihistamines
Antihistamine-containing drugs can be used to relieve allergic itching. This is because antihistamines inhibit the production of histamine which is a trigger for allergic reactions that cause itching.
In addition to relieving itching, antihistamine drugs can also relieve other allergic reactions, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. This drug is available in tablets, capsules and syrup.
The use of antihistamines must be preceded by a doctor's examination, to match conditions and indications. Be careful when using this drug, because some types of antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
4. Oral and injection corticosteroids
Apart from being in the form of ointments, corticosteroid drugs are also available in tablet and injection form. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation due to allergic reactions that can cause itching.
You need to use this medicine according to the advice and instructions from your doctor. The reason, corticosterid drugs should not be used if the cause of itching on the skin is an infection or injury.
Some types of allergic itch medicines described above can be an option to relieve itching. However, you are still advised to do a doctor's examination so that the drug chosen is right and safe.
