A Pharmacist's Advice: Choosing Over-the-Counter Topical Itch Remedies

The main ingredient in dozens of over-the-counter topical itch remedies is hydrocortisone. A pharmacist explains the advantages and disadvantages of hydrocortisone creams, gels, ointments, sprays, and lotions. This article allows you to bypass misleading advertising claims and make information-based decisions when choosing over-the-counter topical itch relief products.

How to Choose Between Itch Relief Creams, Lotions, Gels, Sprays, and Ointments

Hydrocortisone creams rub into the skin well, leaving almost no residue. They stay on better than lotions but not as well as ointments. All other things equal, hydrocortisone cream may be your first choice.

Lotions are moisturizing, but they don't stay on as well as ointments or creams so the hydrocortisone may not get absorbed as well.

Gels rub in quickly and completely and are non-greasy, but they may not allow for as much absorption as creams or ointments. They may impart a "cool" sensation.

Sprays may miss their target. They don't stay on as well as creams or ointments so they are fairly poor with regard to absorption of the hydrocortisone. They are a good choice when you don't want to touch the skin with your fingers.

Ointments are the best for absorption of hydrocortisone. Ointments stay in place longer than other forms of topical itch relief products that contain hydrocortisone. They offer a moisture barrier, but they are greasy.

Bypass Product Claims for Over-the-Counter Topical Itch Products

Misleading advertising claims dupe consumers into selecting one product over another. The following discusses the product claims for hydrocortisone itch relief products.

-Cortaid Intensive Therapy Cooling Spray

This product claims to be "cooling." That is because one of the inactive ingredients is 45% alcohol. Alcohol evaporates from the skin's surface causing a cooling effect, but alcohol is drying.

The product claims that it won't "spread the itch." Rashes that can be spread by touch (infections) should not be treated with hydrocortisone.

The product claims to be "dermatologist recommended." To make that a true statement, only one dermatologist would have to recommend it.

-Good Sense Anti-Itch Lotion Hydrocortisone Lotion

The advertising claim is: "Help Heal Dry, Itchy Skin Fast!" The fact: Lotions are moisturizing and help to lubricate dry skin, but lotion may not aid absorption of the hydrocortisone as well as ointment or cream.

-Cortizone 10 Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cool Relief Gel

Yes, gels are cooling.

I don't know why the label says "Cortizone 10." Maybe the 10 is there to suggest a higher concentration of medication? It is hydrocortisone 1%, the same as the others we are comparing.

This itch relief product claims: "#1 Itch Medicine Doctors Recommend." This claim refers to the hydrocortisone. It applies to all hydrocortisone itch relief products.

Claim: "Fast Acting and Long Lasting."All hydrocortisone itch remedies start to act immediately after application. Is this one longer lasting for some reason? The package directions say it should be applied 3 to 4 times daily just like the other products compared here.

The list of inactive ingredients in Cortizone 10 includes a few moisturizers with soothing effects such as aloe vera and oat. The active ingredient and the form (lotion, cream, gel, ointment, or spray) are still the primary considerations.

-Cortaid Maximum Strength 1.0% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream

Its claim "Maximum Strength" means that it is 1% instead of ½% hydrocortisone.

"Relieves Itching and Redness Fast!" This claim applies just as well to any hydrocortisone itch relief medicine.

-Tucks Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Ointment

This product claims "without a prescription." None of the hydrocortisone 1% products require prescription.

It also claims "Doctor recommended ingredient." Again, that is true if it has been recommended by one doctor.

Summary

Consumers should not rely on product claims such as "maximum strength," "doctor recommended," "fast acting," "long lasting" or "without a prescription." Learning the advantages and disadvantages of applying hydrocortisone as a cream, gel, ointment, spray, or lotion allows you to make an information-based decision when choosing over-the-counter topical itch remedies.

Sources:
No author given. Product Information: Cortaid Intensive Therapy Cooling Spray. Drugstore.com.
No author given. Product Information: Good Sense Anti-Itch Lotion Hydrocortisone Lotion. Drugstore.com.
No author given. Cortizone 10 Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cool Relief Gel. Drugstore.com.
No author given. Tucks Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Ointment. Drugstore.com