Can taking an antihistamine stop itching?

Yes. Usually a wheal response, also known as swelling is caused by your body producing a histamine. What this does is allow fluid to pass from small blood capillaries into the surrounding tissue. This allows the fluid to surround or envelope an irritant such as a scratch or insect bite. The final result is an irritating itch.

By taking an antihistamine, you reduce the amount of histamine your body produces resulting in the lessening of the itch. This can be taken orally such as benadryl tablets or as a topical ointment (outside the body applied to the affected area). Please take the time to ask a doctor or nurse how this may have an adverse effect upon you as some people who take antihistamines get a energy burst while others feel sedated or sleepy.