Eczema Care - Antihistamines

There are a range of antihistamines available both on prescription and to buy over the counter. Some have a sedative effect and these are usually best avoided during the day as they can cause drowsiness. Some do not have a sedative effect and are better for use during the day.

Antihistamines come in different guises. Creams are generally not used for eczema as they can irritate the condition, but are often prescribed in the treatment of Uticaria. They can also be taken in tablet form or as a syrup.

One of the side effects of eczema is a lack of sleep due to the constant itchiness. Antihistamines with a sedating effect are best taken about an hour before going to bed and can help sufferers to sleep.

Used for children, sedative antihistamines are often prescribed in high doses for short periods of time and are generally used to help get through flare ups.

Antihistamines are not addictive. One draw back is that people sometimes report they are not working as well as they did when first prescribed by the GP.