Christine Giordano 
Whether you have itchy, irritated skin from allergic reactions, sensitive skin, or pesky bug bites, one thing is for sure: you Hope to get relief soon. You can try an ice pack to ease the discomfort, but if that doesn’t eliminate the discomfort, you may need to turn to an anti-itch cream.
Before running to your local pharmacy, you should understand the reason behind your itchy skin, as you may need different treatments depending on the cause. You probably know that itchy skin in summer is often due to mosquito bites, or it may be due to poison ivy or other rashes after prolonged outdoor activity.
1
BEST OVERALL
Maximum Strength Ointment Cortizone 10
read more
-
2
Best for drying or sunburned skin
Anti-itch Moisturizer CeraVe
read more
3
Best for dry, sensitive skin
read more
4
- Campho-Phenique
-
5
Best for allergy symptoms
-
Anti-itch Cream Extra Strength Benadryl
read more
-
6
Best Cooling Anti-itch Cream
Medicated Anti-itch Lotion
Gold Bond read more
7
-
Best All-Purpose Itch Relief Cream
1% Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Cream Aveeno
read more
-
8
Best for killing bacteria
Pain Relief Anti-Itching Antibacterial Gel
read more
Best for Eczema
Anti-itch Calming Body Lotion Curel
read more
9
Best for moisturizing
Skin Calming Cream
read more
10
Best for everyday use
Itch Relief Concentrate
Aveeno
read more
Itchy skin may also be caused by the skin barrier Damage, dry skin, genetic predisposition, or inflammatory conditions such as eczema, according to Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Overall, they cause an increase in inflammatory signaling in the skin that drives the itch response,” he explained.
While anti-itch creams can be a temporary lifesaver, if you don’t see improvement in two weeks, Dr. Zeichner recommends seeing a dermatologist.
Here are 12 dermatologist-approved anti-itch creams. Because honestly, itchy skin is a nightmare.
1
BEST OVERALL
Cortizone 10
Maximum Strength Ointment
2
Best for dry or sunburned skin
CeraVe
3
Best for dry, sensitive skin
Aveno
Eczema Treatment Daily Moisturizer
4
Most Suitable for killing bacteria
Campho-Phenique
Anti-Itching Antibacterial Gel
Best for allergy symptoms
Benadryl
Itch Relief Cream Extra Strength
6
Best Cooling Anti-itch Cream
Gold Bond
Medicated Anti-itch Lotion
7
Best Multi-Purpose Itch Relief Cream
Aveno
-
12
Best for private areas
CareAll
Zinc Oxide 20% Skin Protective Barrier Ointment
Andy Bretovich Andi Breitowich is a writer at Chicago and Northwestern Medill University of graduate students.
Emilia Benton Emilia Benton is a freelance writer and editor in Houston.
8
Best for eczema
Kurel
Anti-itch Calming Body Lotion
9
Best for moisturizing
Eucerin
Skin Calming Cream 10 Best for everyday Use Aveno Anti-itch Concentrate Lotion 11 Best for bug bites
Cortizone 10
Maximum Strength Aloe Vera Cream
