Oral antihistamines are used by nearly half of Americans with atopic dermatitis (eczema) to treat flare-up symptoms. However, a recent review indicates that this treatment is not very beneficial and may raise the risk of cognitive and other negative effects in certain situations.
The BMJ released the analysis online on July 29, 2026. It reviewed 47 clinical studies with nearly 6,200 children and adults (ages 1 to 43, 52% female), the majority of whom had moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The efficacy of oral antihistamines and other drugs in reducing symptoms like itching and insomnia was assessed by the researchers.
Antihistamines did not seem to lessen the frequency of eczema flare-ups, but they did elicit some benefits, most of which were too small to be noticed. In particular, doctor-scored skin signs of eczema severity were reduced by only 1.87 points on an 83-point scale by older “first generation” antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and more recent “second generation” nonsedating antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin). This is far less than the 8.2-point change required before patients would experience symptom relief. In comparison to the 3-point threshold deemed significant, itch scores (reported by patients or caregivers) improved by less than 1 point on a 10-point scale.