Benadryl is sometimes used to help promote sleep if eczema itchiness is keeping you up at night. However, it’s only recommended to be used short-term, and it’s not a treatment for eczema.

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that may cause very itchy, dry, and inflamed skin patches. Some researchers describe eczema as the “itch that rashes.”

Symptoms of itchiness can often keep people up at night, which could affect your sleep quality.

Some healthcare organizations may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines to help improve sleep in people experiencing sleeping difficulties related to eczema itching.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the brand name for an OTC antihistamine often used to relieve allergy symptoms and itchy skin from bug bites or hives. Benadryl’s sedating properties may help promote sleep.

However, it’s important to note that Benadryl and other OTC antihistamines can’t treat eczema, so they’re not recommended for the long term.

Keep reading to learn more about Benadryl for eczema.

Benadryl‘s active ingredient is diphenhydramine, which works as an inverse agonist at the H1 receptor. This means it reduces allergic reaction symptoms by limiting the effects of histamine, a substance the body releases to help fight the effects of allergens.

Although it’s effective for allergies, hay fever, and hives, Benadryl isn’t effective at treating eczema.

Healthcare organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology might recommend Benadryl short-term to help promote sleep for people whose symptoms keep them up at night. However, it’s not an effective treatment.

A 2019 study found no consistent evidence that antihistamines were effective as an “add-on” therapy for eczema.

Benadryl is often taken in two forms:

  • Orally: Benadryl can be taken by mouth in pill or liquid form.
  • Topically: It can be applied to the skin in the form of a cream, gel, or spray.

There are different formulations of Benadryl, including two allergy formulations, an itch-stopping cream, and an itch-cooling gel. All of the formulations contain diphenhydramine, except the itch-cooling gel.

To help promote sleep, a doctor may recommend oral Benadryl to be taken 20 to 30 minutes before going to sleep.

If you’re having trouble sleeping because of itching due to eczema, talk with a doctor about whether taking Benadryl is appropriate for you. It should not be used to treat eczema itself.

As with any medication, Benadryl may cause various side effects. These can range from mild to severe. Before using Benadryl, always talk with a doctor first.

Common side effects may include:

More severe side effects may include:

It’s important not to take higher doses than what is recommended by a doctor or written on the label.

In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning against taking high doses due to the possibility of serious complications, such as:

Get immediate medical attention if you or a child experience any severe side effects or feel as if something is “off” after you take Benadryl.

Benadryl is not an effective treatment for eczema, but there are many treatment options that could help relieve your symptoms, reduce inflammation, and increase your quality of life.

The most common treatment for eczema is corticosteroid creams. Other treatments for eczema may include:

Learn more about treatments for eczema.

Can you take Benadryl for itchy skin?

Benadryl could help relieve symptoms like itching, watery eyes, and a stuffy nose associated with hay fever and allergies. It may be used short-term to help you sleep better if itchy skin from eczema is keeping you up, but it’s not recommended to treat eczema.

How fast does Benadryl work for itching?

Benadryl usually takes up to 30 minutes to start working. For severe itching, a doctor may recommend a slightly higher dose. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully.

Eczema can be very uncomfortable, but it can be treated and managed.

Some healthcare organizations suggest that Benadryl can be used short-term to help you sleep better if itching is keeping you up at night. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t help treat eczema.

Speak with a doctor if eczema symptoms are keeping you up at night. They could help develop a treatment plan that relieves your symptoms, which will help you sleep better.