Antihistamines Are a Poor Option to Treat Eczema in Older Adults: Clinical Pearl
Antihistamines for itch caused by disorders like atopic dermatitis pose more problems, like sedation and fall risk, than they provide relief, according to Daniel Butler, MD.
"Antihistamines have very little evidence for their success in itchy patients even in things that are very common like eczema," Daniel Butler, MD, cautioned in an interview with Patient Care at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, March 7-11, 2025, in Orlando, FL.
Butler is associate professor of medicine at the College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona where he is also director of the Inflammatory & Aging Skin Research Program. He is recognized as a pioneer in the space of geriatric dermatology and his statement regarding antihistamines was in response to a question about what medications to steer clear of in older adult patients with chronic itch. He explains the issues with use of the class in this vulnerable population and also offers recommendations for communicating with adults who may be experiencing cognitive decline.
Listen to other conversations with Butler at the 2025 AAD annual meeting here:
The Link Between Itch and Aging, with Daniel Butler, MD
Daniel Butler, MD: Pearls for Primary Care When Treating and Referring Older Adults for Chronic Itch
