Abstract

Skin preparations containing antihistamines (antazoline, diphenhydramine, mepyramine) are promoted as remedies for stings, insect bites, sunburn and, in two instances, urticarial rashes. Antihistamine eye drops (containing antazoline) and nasal preparations (containing azelastine or dimethindene) are sold for allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis. Most can be bought over the counter. In 1963 we concluded that topical antihistamines were of little, use.¹ Has the position changed?