Medication Summary

No medical therapy is necessary. Topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines might provide some symptomatic relief of pruritus.

Class Summary

These agents may provide relief when pruritus is present.

Triamcinolone topical (Aristocort)

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The antipruritic effect of this cream is fairly marginal but may be somewhat effective. It treats inflammatory dermatoses that are responsive to steroids. Triamcinolone topical decreases inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability.

Class Summary

These agents may provide some relief when pruritus is present. They are used to treat minor allergic reactions and anaphylaxis and may be used to pretreat patients with prior documentation of minor allergic reactions. These agents may control itching by blocking effects of endogenously released histamine.

Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)

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Hydroxyzine offers a mild degree of relief from pruritus. It antagonizes H1 receptors in the periphery. Hydroxyzine may suppress histamine activity in the subcortical region of the CNS.

Questions

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Media Gallery

Multiple erythematous flat-topped papules on the cheeks of an 18-month-old boy with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.
Arm of a 3-year-old boy with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome demonstrating well-defined erythematous lichenoid papules on the arm and forearm.
Thigh of the 3-year-old boy with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.

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Author

Sören A Craig-Müller, MD Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School

Sören A Craig-Müller, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Dirk M Elston, MD Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Mary L Windle, PharmD Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH Professor and Head of Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, New York Academy of Medicine, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Additional Contributors

Kevin P Connelly, DO Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Emergency Care, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Medical Director, Paws for Health Pet Visitation Program of the Richmond SPCA; Pediatric Emergency Physician, Emergency Consultants Inc, Chippenham Medical Center

Kevin P Connelly, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, American Osteopathic Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Howard Pride, MD Associate Physician, Departments of Pediatrics and Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Howard Pride is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Pediatric Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.