Nearly half of all people in the United States who deal with atopic dermatitis or eczema use oral antihistamines to manage their symptoms. However, a recent analysis published in The BMJ suggests that this common practice provides little actual benefit for most patients. Researchers reviewed data from 47 clinical trials involving over 6,200 participants to determine if these medications effectively reduce itching or sleep disturbances caused by skin flares.
The study found that while some patients reported minor changes, the effects were too small to be clinically significant. Most participants did not experience a meaningful reduction in the severity of their skin conditions. The results showed that antihistamines failed to lower the frequency of flare-ups, and the small improvements in itch scores fell well below the threshold considered noticeable for the average person.
Beyond the lack of effectiveness, the report highlighted safety concerns regarding these medications. First-generation antihistamines, which include options like diphenhydramine, were linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment, such as confusion and memory issues. Some second-generation drugs also carried elevated risks depending on the specific type used.
Medical experts now suggest that routine reliance on antihistamines for eczema treatment is not recommended. Moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory treatments remain the preferred initial options for those experiencing skin symptoms. While antihistamines might be appropriate for patients with concurrent issues like hay fever or hives, they are not a reliable solution for managing eczema itself.