Wush

Karma: 45

Can a person who often gets itchy skin, even before chemo, take over the counter Benedryl?

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+3 Views: 654 Answers: 6 Posted: 13 years ago

Ducky

We are not health care professionals here and can only give you our opinions. Please check with your doctor.

Commented 13 years ago

6 Answers

Jack Large

Karma: 68420

Ask your doctor, WBMS

13 years ago. Rating: 5
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Vinny

Karma: 262561

Hopefully you discussed this with your doctor before starting chemo, do you have hives?? Benadryl is a blocker and will stop the hives but it will also make you drowsy. The internet is not your doctor, please get advice from a professional.

13 years ago. Rating: 4
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lambshank

Karma: 263570

I find a mild cortisone cream helpful, here it is script ony, but mild and won't have detrimental effects on chemo

13 years ago. Rating: 3
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daren1

Karma: 724049

I'd have to side with Vinny on this one .. check with your doctor he would know best.

13 years ago. Rating: 2
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clu

Karma: 405858

I'm with the others- check with Doc first! Also I would think a cream would be better than a pill. Maybe even a moisture lotion!

13 years ago. Rating: 2
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clu

wush stated itchy skin was a problem before . This is why I thought it may just be dry skin! That can be very itchy!

commented 13 years ago

Vinny

Karma: 262561

I see a debate between pill or cream, it depends if the itchiness is caused by the skin being attacked underneath the epidermis or some irritant affecting the top of the skin. Hives for instance are caused by the body releasing histamines underneath the skin, if you apply a topical like hydrocortisone, it will relieve it somewhat but it will come right back. Hives must be dealt with using a blocker like benadryl which will block the histamines from reaching the surface. But it really depends of the origin of the itch, what is causing it? allergies?? skin irritants?? Hives???