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 management Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with anyone who needs a little skincare sanity.
