How Antihistamines May Help With Eczema

How Antihistamines May Help Take the Itch Out of Eczema

While these common drugs aren’t a cure-all for eczema, they may help you put the brakes on itchy skin, a common eczema symptom.
How Antihistamines May Help Take the Itch Out of Eczema
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Updated on October 15, 2025
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Unbearably itchy skin is a very common eczema symptom, and it’s important to find relief, since scratching damages the skin and invites infection.

 Eczema treatment often includes oral antihistamines (along with other medications) to help stop the itch-scratch cycle that can bother you during the day and keep you up at night.

Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common type of eczema. It typically occurs when the immune system overreacts to triggers, causing inflammation; these can look like an allergic reaction.

In the case of allergies, the immune system mistakes harmless substances like pollen or dust mites as a threat. The body responds by releasing chemicals to fight these perceived threats, including histamine — a substance that can cause inflammation and other symptoms. Allergic symptoms like itchy eyes and skin can result.

Antihistamine drugs are often used to treat allergic conditions as well as itching in eczema. They block the effects of histamine to provide relief.

Antihistamines as a Treatment for Eczema

“Eczema is not really a histamine problem, but antihistamines do seem to have some effect. The sedating effect is helpful because scratching always makes eczema worse. So if the medications keep people from scratching [by helping them sleep], indirectly they can help eczema,” says Suephy Chen, MD, a dermatologist and the chair of the department of dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. She notes that antihistamines themselves are not fully effective in treating the itch of eczema.

In general, there are two types of oral antihistamines on the market that work to block histamine from attaching to the specific receptor that causes itching and other typical allergy symptoms: first-generation and second-generation antihistamines.

 (Derivatives of some second-generation drugs are referred to as either second- or third-generation, which can be confusing).

First-generation drugs, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), affect the brain and can cause side effects like drowsiness.

These sedating antihistamines are most beneficial as a treatment for eczema, especially if itchy skin is keeping you from sleeping, says Debra Wattenberg, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City. And getting a good night’s sleep promotes healing and is beneficial for the immune system.

 When taken as directed, first-generation antihistamines are still recommended for severe itching in atopic dermatitis, though they’re generally not recommended for most other purposes.

One note about first-generation antihistamines: Long-term use, particularly among senior citizens, is linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to research.

 However, further studies are needed to confirm these results. If you are concerned about dementia, second-generation antihistamines (those that do not cross into the brain, or do so minimally) are generally considered to be safer.

Because most second-generation antihistamines don’t have an effect on the brain, they’re also unlikely to make you sleepy.

 So, as a treatment for eczema, second-generation drugs are “even less likely to work because of the nonsedating properties,” Dr. Chen says. Second-generation antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Whether you’re taking a first- or second-generation variety, just don’t get your hopes up too high. When it comes to using antihistamines to help with eczema, they aren’t a cure. “Antihistamines won’t prevent flare-ups because they don’t target the actual root of the disease, but they do help with the itch, which could allow your flare-up to heal faster,” says Dr. Wattenberg.

Side Effects of Antihistamines as a Treatment for Eczema

Because first-generation drugs are sedating, there are some side effects you need to watch out for, especially if you’re taking them during the day:

  • Your ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired.
  • Your judgment and reaction time might be affected, so work or school may be difficult.
  • Mixing antihistamines with alcohol, cough, or cold medications can increase the sedation or other side effects.
Common side effects also include dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased appetite. First-generation antihistamines may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions:

Many first-generation antihistamines are available without a prescription at your local drugstore, says Wattenberg. Store brands with the same active ingredients are generally less expensive than brand-name medications. Ask your doctor what would be best for you, suggests Wattenberg.

Taking Care of Your Eczema

Stopping itchy eczema symptoms as soon as possible is essential to managing the condition. Sticking to your medication regimen is very important.

“I recommend taking antihistamines in conjunction with topical steroids to improve the skin health,” says Wattenberg; she also advises against topical antihistamines, which she says may actually irritate your eczema. Your doctor might suggest a corticosteroid cream, which is a topical steroid that’s often a go-to treatment for eczema, because it helps fight inflammation.

Also, you’ll want to steer clear of irritants or allergens. One study found that for some people with atopic dermatitis, acute itching may be caused by environmental allergens. Researchers also found that antihistamines may not help with these acute flare-ups, because the itch signals are carried along different nervous and immune system pathways.

And of course, don’t forget to keep your skin hydrated by using plenty of moisturizer, which also helps maintain a strong skin barrier.


The Takeaway

  • Antihistamines are frequently prescribed to people with eczema to alleviate sensations of itchiness.
  • While antihistamine medications can’t address the root cause of eczema, they can lessen the urge to scratch at the skin, enabling better healing outcomes.
  • First-generation antihistamine medications tend to be the most effective, but experts caution that they do come with risks; it’s recommended that you discuss your options with your doctor, especially if you’re over 65.
  • Those with eczema can choose from a variety of antihistamines — both first-generation and second-generation medications are recommended, depending on an individual’s needs and risk factors.

Additional reporting by Regina Boyle Wheeler.

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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
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Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

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Leslie Barrie

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Leslie Barrie is a health and nutrition writer and editor who loves running marathons and attempting to cook healthy meals for her family (even if they don’t always turn out as planned). She received her bachelor of science degree at UCLA and her master of science degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has written and edited for publications like Health magazine, Seventeen, and Woman’s Day. Leslie won a Hearst Spotlight Award for her work in 2018 at Woman’s Day, and helped plan the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards, an event honoring changemakers fighting to end heart disease in women.

When she isn’t writing, Leslie loves chasing her daughter and son around outside, going on family hikes, and starting her day with a big bowl of muesli.
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