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12 Best Anti-Itch Creams To Soothe Rashes, Bug Bites, And More
Plus the go-to ingredients that quell irritation and dryness.
Whether you have itchy, irritated skin from an allergic reaction, skin sensitivity, or pesky bug bite, one thing is for sure: You want relief ASAP. You may try quelling the discomfort with an ice pack, but when that doesn't cut it, you may need to turn to an anti-itch cream for help.
Before running to your local pharmacy, you should get to know what may be behind your skin itch because you may need a different treatment depending on the cause. You probably know that summertime itchy skin is commonly due to mosquito bites, or potentially from poison ivy or other rashes after spending extended time outdoors.
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Itchy skin may also be caused by skin barrier disruption, skin dryness, a genetic predisposition, or inflammatory conditions like eczema, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research and an associate professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Collectively, they lead to an increase in inflammatory signals in the skin that drive the itch response,” he explains.
While anti-itch creams can be a temporary lifesaver, if you’re not seeing improvements within two weeks, Dr. Zeichner recommends visiting a dermatologist.
Here are 12 dermatologist-approved anti-itch creams. Because let’s be honest, itchy skin is a nightmare.
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Ointment
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Ointment
Pros
- Good for mosquito bites or mild cases of poison ivy rashes
- Locks in skin moisture
Cons
- Can feel a little greasy
This is a good anti-itch cream to keep on hand in your medicine cabinet. “For mosquito bites or mild cases of poison ivy, the product I recommend most often is hydrocortisone formulated as a single active ingredient, which can be found in this ointment,” says Dr. Katta.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Itch Relief
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- For some, can provide relief within two minutes
Cons
- Some customers with eczema reporting still experiencing itch after using
This gentle cream is a good option for other itchy conditions, such as dry skin, sunburn, and irritation due to insect bites, according to Dr. Katta.
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Great for eczema
- Made with colloidal oatmeal to restore skin's protective function
Cons
- Can leave a film of product on your skin if you use too much
Aveeno anti-itch cream is a top pick to stymie scratchiness. Dr. Katta recommends this cream, which contains soothing colloidal oatmeal, for those with dry skin in need of a strong moisturizer.
Campho-Phenique Pain & Itch Relief Antiseptic Gel
Pros
- Made with antiseptic properties
- Can provide pain relief, in addition to itch relief
Cons
- Smell of camphor may be unappealing to some
This medicated gel is a good option to instantly relieve itching from bug bites and stings, irritated skin, and even minor burns. The antiseptic properties also help kill germs and prevent infection.
Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream Extra Strength
Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream Extra Strength
Pros
- Made to block histamines
- Can dry oozing and weeping of poison ivy rashes
Cons
- Not made for use on large areas of the body
This histamine-blocking cream can bring soothing relief to itching caused by outdoor aggravators, like bug bites and poison ivy.
Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Lotion
Gold Bond Medicated Anti-Itch Lotion
Gold Bond is another good option for outdoor-related itching, and with menthol as its active ingredient, you’ll quickly notice a cooling sensation of relief upon application.
Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Relief Cream
Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Relief Cream
Formulated with 1% hydrocortisone, this cream is effective for stopping any itch. You'll also get the added bonus ingredient of triple oat complex to relieve the dryness and irritation that can come with scratchy skin.
Curél Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion
Curél Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion
If your main issue is dryness, a moisturizing lotion may be all you need. This one, approved by the National Eczema Association, aims to restore the skin’s barrier to prevent further irritation and can also provide relief from eczema.
Eucerin Skin Calming Cream
Eucerin Skin Calming Cream
This oatmeal-enriched cream provides all-day relief from dry, itchy skin. It goes on so silky smooth and isn't sticky, so you may want to make this your daily body moisturizer all year.
Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
Aveeno Anti-Itch Concentrated Lotion
Containing triple oat complex and natural colloidal oatmeal, this lotion can bring relief from itching and rashes caused by poison ivy, insect bites, and other causes, in addition to providing relief from general skin itching and dryness.
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Creme With Aloe
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Creme With Aloe
Dr. Zeichner recommends applying this 1% hydrocortisone cream to bug bits twice a day to reduce itch and swelling. This cream also contains aloe vera to help calm your skin for up to 10 hours.
CareAll Zinc Oxide 20% Skin Protectant Barrier Ointment
CareAll Zinc Oxide 20% Skin Protectant Barrier Ointment
If you’re looking for an anti-itch solution for sensitive areas (like your vagina and anus), Dr. Zeichner recommends this ointment containing zinc oxide. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and will help coat the surface of your skin and prevent chafing. FYI, this is the same type of cream used to treat diaper rash.
What ingredients should I look for in an anti-itch cream?
Anti-itch creams can help reduce itching from conditions such as mosquito bites or poison ivy or other rashes, according to Rajani Katta, MD, a dermatologist who serves as voluntary clinical faculty of both the Baylor College of Medicine and the McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Houston.
“These creams use several different types of active ingredients, and choosing between them means knowing how they work so you can opt for the right ingredient for the right purpose,” she says. “It's also important to remember that chronic itchy skin may be due to dry skin, and that moisturizing creams may help.”
Not all anti-itch creams are alike. When browsing the aisles, you'll find five main types.
- Hydrocortisone. One major ingredient found in anti-itch creams is hydrocortisone, which fights skin inflammation. The products sold over the counter have a low concentration of hydrocortisone, which is a topical steroid. “Applied to the skin, hydrocortisone helps reduce redness, itching, and the other symptoms of skin inflammation,” Dr. Katta explains. However, topical steroids can produce side effects, and they're meant for short-term use only. If you’re using it for more than two weeks and not seeing improvement, she recommends talking to your dermatologist.
- Topical anesthetics. Another major category of ingredients is topical anesthetics. These products don’t actually reduce any skin inflammation. Rather, the ingredients numb the skin so you don’t feel the itch anymore. Examples include pramoxine, benzocaine, and lanacaine.
- Topical antihistamines. You’re likely familiar with this if you have allergies. “These battle the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the body that can cause itching,” Dr. Katta explains. One example would be diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
- Cooling creams. One way to quell skin irritation? Cool it down. "Menthol/phenol creams provide a cooling effect on the skin that helps combat the sensation of itching," says Dr. Katta.
- Oatmeal. Lastly, another ingredient that can help is colloidal oatmeal, which exerts soothing qualities for irritated skin.
Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. In addition to Runner's World, she has contributed health, fitness and wellness content to Women's Health, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and the Houston Chronicle, among other publications. She is also an 11-time marathoner, a USATF Level 1-certified running coach, and an avid traveler.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
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