Use skin lubricants liberally: petrolatum or lubricant cream at bedtime; alcohol-free, hypoallergenic lotions frequently during the day.
Decrease frequency of bathing and limit bathing to brief exposure to tepid water; after bathing, briefly pat skin dry and immediately apply skin lubricant.
Use mild, unscented, hypoallergenic soap two to three times per week; limit daily use of soap to groin and axillae (spare legs, arms, and torso).
Humidify dry indoor environment, especially in winter.
Choose clothing that does not irritate the skin (preferably made of doubly rinsed cotton or silk); avoid clothing made of wool, smooth-textured cotton, or heat-retaining material (synthetic fabrics); when washing sheets, add bath oil (e.g., Alpha Keri) to rinse cycle.
Avoid use of vasodilators (caffeine, alcohol, spices, hot water) and excessive sweating.
Avoid use of provocative topical medications, such as corticosteroids for prolonged periods (risk of skin atrophy) and topical anesthetics and antihistamines (may sensitize exposed skin and increase risk of allergic contact dermatitis).
Prevent complications of scratching by keeping fingernails short and clean, and by rubbing skin with the palms of the hands if urge to scratch is irresistible.
Treatments:
	Standard topical antipruritic agents: menthol and camphor (e.g., Sarna lotion), oatmeal baths (e.g., Aveeno), pramoxine (e.g., PrameGel), calamine lotion (Caladryl; use only on weeping lesions, not on dry skin), doxepin 5% cream (Zonalon)
	Topical antipruritic agents for refractory pruritus (e.g., severe atopic dermatitis): Burrow's solution (wet dressings), Unna's boot, tar emulsion
	Systemic antipruritic agents (used in allergic and urticarial disease): doxepin (Sinequan), 10 to 25 mg at bedtime4; hydroxyzine (Atarax), 25 to 100 mg at bedtime; nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., fexofenadine [Allegra])37