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Overview: Topical diphenhydramine is used to treat minor skin pain, itching, burns, and rashes. It works by blocking a natural substance called histamine. Topical diphenhydramine can make your skin more sensitive to light (photosensitivity) from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin. Topical diphenhydramine is available as a cream, gel, stick, or liquid that is applied or sprayed onto the skin.

Uses

What is topical diphenhydramine used for?

Topical diphenhydramine is commonly used to treat pain and itching of the skin caused by insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor skin irritations, cuts, scrapes, rashes or oozing caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac. 

Topical diphenhydramine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Diphenhydramine is also available in other forms. See Diphenhydramine for more information. 

How does topical diphenhydramine work (mechanism of action)?

Topical diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It works by blocking a natural substance called histamine. Some products also have zinc, which helps to dry the oozing and weeping of your skin from poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

How is topical diphenhydramine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Banophen
  • Benadryl
  • Dermamycin
  • Surfadil

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 1%, 2% topical cream
  • 2% topical gel
  • 2% topical spray
  • 2% topical stick

How should I store topical diphenhydramine?

Topical diphenhydramine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store it in a cool, dry place. Follow product instructions about heat exposure. Some topical diphenhydramine products can catch on fire and should be kept away from excessive heat, such as temperatures at or above 104 F (40 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical diphenhydramine?

The most common side effects of topical diphenhydramine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Sensitivity to sunlight

There may be other side effects of topical diphenhydramine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical diphenhydramine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical diphenhydramine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical diphenhydramine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical diphenhydramine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical diphenhydramine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical diphenhydramine.

  • Banophen
  • Benadryl
  • Dermamycin
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Surfadil
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical diphenhydramine products they stock.

What should I know about topical diphenhydramine before using it?

Keep topical diphenhydramine out of the reach of children.

Do not get topical diphenhydramine in your eyes. Do not use it on large areas of your body, unless your health care provider tells you to. Ask your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Talk to your health care provider if your condition gets worse or does not improve within seven days, or if your symptoms clear up and come back within a few days.

Topical diphenhydramine can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical diphenhydramine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical diphenhydramine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Chickenpox
  • Measles

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical diphenhydramine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical diphenhydramine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does topical diphenhydramine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical diphenhydramine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical diphenhydramine.

Does topical diphenhydramine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other product containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl), including one that is taken by mouth, which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical diphenhydramine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical diphenhydramine?

If you or someone else has used too much topical diphenhydramine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical diphenhydramine?

Topical diphenhydramine is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.