We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Diphenhydramine Cream?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,384
Share

Diphenhydramine cream is a topical antihistamine used primarily to treat symptoms of an allergic reaction such as pain and itching. This medication may be used in cases of insect bites, bee stings, or poison ivy. Sunburn and other forms of minor skin irritation may also be treated with diphenhydramine cream. Some of the possible side effects of this medication include thee development of a skin rash and an increased sensitivity to sunlight. Occasionally, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction may occur that causes swelling of the face and throat as well as difficulty breathing.

Topical diphenhydramine cream works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body responsible for creating allergic symptoms. This medication may be used in several allergic situations, including insect bites or bee stings. Pain, swelling, and itching caused by poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac may also be relieved by the use of this cream. Sunburn and minor skin irritation caused by other sources may respond well to the use of diphenhydramine cream. A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted with any questions about the proper use of diphenhydramine cream.

It is important to follow the directions on the package when using diphenhydramine cream unless a doctor gives separate usage instructions. This medication is normally applied to affected areas of the skin between three and four times per day. The affected areas should be thoroughly clean and dry before application, and the hands should be carefully washed after using the cream. Diphenhydramine cream is not designed to be used for medical conditions such as chicken pox or the measles.

Side effects are rare when using diphenhydramine cream, but any bothersome symptoms that develop following application should be reported to a doctor for further medical evaluation. Minor skin irritation such as a rash or an increased sensitivity to sunlight and heat lamps are the most commonly reported side effects associated with the use of this medication. Symptoms such as swelling of the face or throat should be treated as a medical emergency, especially if there is also difficulty breathing. These symptoms may indicate the development of a severe and potentially fatal type of allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. If the throat swells to the point where not enough oxygen is able to travel throughout the body, permanent brain damage or even death may occur within a matter of minutes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-diphenhydramine-cream.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.