Starting from Scratch: Treat Your Itch!

Dr. Diego Ruiz da Silva returns to dive deep into effective treatments for chronic itching, explaining why antihistamines often fall short and highlighting more successful approaches. His expertise from running a dedicated itching clinic offers practical solutions for one of dermatology's most frustrating and persistent problems.• Antihistamines only effectively treat specific types of itch like hives, despite being widely recommended• Moisturizing is crucial for all itching conditions as it repairs the skin barrier that protects against irritants• Thick, bland moisturizers applied right after bathing are most effective for locking in moisture• Natural supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and oral ceramides can help manage itch from within• Off-label neurological medications like gabapentin can interrupt the itch-anxiety cycle• Phototherapy using narrow-band UVB light effectively reduces inflammation • Home phototherapy units are becoming more accessible and may be covered by insurance• Neuropathic itching may respond to medications borrowed from pain managementSubscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with anyone who needs a little skincare sanity.