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However, several other oral and topical treatments are available. Share on PinterestGetty ImagesHealthcare professionals prescribe several creams or ointments to soothe the affected patches of skin and prevent eczema flares. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines usually relieve itching due to insect bites or allergies. Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, also contain sedatives, preventing eczema-related itching during sleep. However, experts consider this a preventive short-term measure rather than a long-term treatment for the symptoms. This article provides more information about Benadryl, including its use as an eczema treatment, its potential side effects, and its uses in children. It also looks at other types of antihistamines and additional treatments for eczema. Benadryl and its uses for people with eczema Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. As a type of antihistamine, this medication works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the blood. This medication comes in many different oral forms, including:tabletscapsuleschewable tabletsliquid solutions Topical forms are also available, such as:creamsgelssprayssticks Does it work for eczema Despite Bendrayl’s widespread use in treating hives, rash, and itching, a 2019 study found insufficient evidence that oral antihistamines were effective for eczema itching. Similarly, researchers explored the effectiveness of topical antihistamines for treating eczema but found limited evidence to support their benefits. However, diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine, so doctors use it to treat short-term sleep issues. If itching during a flare-up affects a person’s sleep, a doctor may suggest taking this type of antihistamine. As this medication causes sleepiness and drowsiness, it could, in turn, reduce the itching from eczema that a person experiences once they have gone to bed. However, this is not a long-term treatment option, and it does not resolve the underlying issue, so a person should speak with a doctor about suitable ways to stop the itching. Learn more about stopping eczema from itching at night. Benadryl for children Most adults and young people aged 16 years and older can take diphenhydramine. Learn more about eczema in adults. Parents or caregivers can also give this medication to children over the age of 6 years for coughs and colds and to children over 12 years of age for allergies. Doctors may recommend Benadryl when an intense eczema itch keeps a child awake most nights. A sedating antihistamine will help with sleeping and prevent itching, but it will not treat eczema. Parents or caregivers should consult a doctor to learn more about long-term treatment options and ways to reduce nighttime itching. Learn more about eczema in children. Side effects of Benadryl As with all medications, Benadryl can cause side effects for some people. Common side effects of the active ingredient in Benadryl, alongside drowsiness, include: dry mouthdizzinessdifficulty concentrating Topical diphenhydramine may worsen a rash and make a person’s skin sensitive to sunlight.Researchers do not recommend topical or oral diphenhydramine due to the risk of systemic toxicities, particularly in children. These include toxic psychosis, which involves hallucinations and delirium. Other treatments for eczema Other possible treatments for eczema include:OTC moisturizers to prevent loss of water from the skinOTC or prescription steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, can reduce inflammationprescription oral or topical corticosteroidsprescription topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as pimecrolimus (Elidel), for the relief of mild to moderate eczema prescription systemic medications and biologicsprescription oral or topical antibiotics to treat skin infectionsphototherapy to relieve skin inflammation A person should consult a doctor for advice on the most suitable treatment for eczema flares and symptoms. People can also explore alternative remedies using natural ingredients that are softer on the skin, such as baths and ointments. Ingredients in creams People should aim to buy hand creams and body lotions that are anti-itch and contain eczema-friendly ingredients. These include:aloe veraparabensglycerinhumectantslanolinmineral oilvaselineceramidespetrolatum in petroleum jelly Learn more about natural remedies for eczema. Eczema prevention Doctors may advise people with eczema to try to identify the triggers for their symptoms. Avoiding known triggers can help people prevent symptoms from occurring or worsening. Possible triggers include:pollenmolddust mitesanimals and pet dandercertain foodscold and dry aira cold or the fluchemicals rough materials, such as wool emotional factors, such as stressfragrances or dyes in skin lotions or soaps A person should also try to avoid scratching where possible. Instead, they can gently rub the skin with their fingers. If a child has eczema, anti-scratch mittens may stop them from scratching their skin. Other options include keeping the nails short and clean and covering the skin with light clothing to minimize damage. Summary Doctors do not generally recommend Benadryl for treating eczema in adults or children. Although this medication does help treat itching and rashes resulting from hives, it does not have the same benefits for relieving eczema-related itching. However, as this drug has sedating effects, it will make a person tired, potentially preventing them from itching at night. OTC and prescription drugs are more effective treatments, and they are available in topical and oral forms. People may also wish to explore alternative and home remedies that can soothe affected skin areas. Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2022DermatologyAtopic Dermatitis / Eczema 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). (2015).https://www.aafa.org/eczema/Atopic eczema: Treatment. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/treatment/Diphenhydramine. Brand name: Nytol Original. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diphenhydramine/Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes & strategies for prevention. (2016).https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/eczema-causes-prevention-strategiesEczema treatment: Antihistamines. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/antihistaminesEichenfield, L. F., et al. (2014). Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Part 2: Management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4326095/Matterne, U., et al. (2019). Oral H1 antihistamines as 'add‐on' therapy to topical treatment for eczema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6360926/Top 5 eczema over-the-counter treatments. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/over-the-counter/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH — By Daisy Warner on August 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageDo probiotics for eczema work?Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD Eczema is a common form of dermatitis that can interfere with daily life. 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