Study Questions Effectiveness of Antihistamines in Easing Eczema

THURSDAY, July 30, 2026 (HealthDay News) — People with eczema often take antihistamine pills, hoping to ease relentless itching.

But a new study finds they may do little to help and could even cause worrisome side effects.

A team led by Dr. Alexandro Chu, of McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, reviewed 47 clinical trials involving more than 6,200 children and adults with mainly moderate-to-severe eczema.

The trials compared antihistamines, H2 blockers and drugs called mast cell stabilizers to placebo — with and without standard treatments such as moisturizers or steroid creams.