Why Does Hydrocodone Make You Itch?

Researchers aren’t completely certain what makes opioids like hydrocodone sometimes cause itchiness, but there are a few likely theories. Opioids like hydrocodone may trigger a response from the immune system that prompts the itchy feeling.

There are ways to reduce itchiness on your own, but you should talk to a doctor if it’s a consistent problem. They can assess whether you have a more serious issue causing the itchiness and give advice on how to live more comfortably.

Reasons Why Hydrocodone Can Make You Itch

Administered extensively for reducing pain levels among patients, hydrocodone comes with its own set of side effects, itching being a notably frequent one. Several theories regarding the cause behind this effect have been proposed, but none are conclusive. 

One possible reason relates to the substance’s tendency to trigger histamine release in some individuals, leading to inflammatory responses such as itching or hives.[1] Those with tendencies toward histamine sensitivity may experience this itching more intensely than others. 

The second theory suggests that hydrocodone directly influences opioid receptors found within the skin, subsequently causing pruritus and other forms of discomfort. Hydrocodone use can lead to an allergic response called urticaria, which induces an itchy rash on the skin’s surface.[2]

Besides this, side effects from interactions with other substances and medications can also cause significant irritation on the body, leading people, especially patients who already suffer from allergies, susceptible to a negative reaction from additional triggering factors, like aerosols and fumes emanating from other chemical compounds. 

If you experience itching symptoms while taking hydrocodone, it’s important to seek professional medical advice from your doctor as soon as possible. Your physician may recommend either reducing the dose or using alternative medicine altogether. Antihistamines medication can also help to manage itching symptoms efficiently. 

Ways to Help Reduce a Hydrocodone Itch

Itching can be an uncomfortable and annoying sensation, but here are several tips to help reduce it:[3]

• Hydrate. Proper hydration plays a vital role in reducing skin itching. Use quality moisturizers frequently after every bath or shower to keep your skin hydrated and reduce itchiness.
• Avoid irritants. Certain ingredients in skincare products, such as harsh soaps, detergents, and fragrances, can cause surface irritation that leads to severe itching on the body. Try to identify the ingredients that are irritating for you, and avoid products with them. 
• Apply cool compresses. Applying a cool compress onto an affected, itchy area lowers body temperature, reducing inflammation as well as itchiness substantially. Use a clean damp cloth or cool gel pack for optimal effect.
• Take an oatmeal bath. Inflammation contributes significantly to unpleasant scratchy sensations that occur during an allergic reaction or other issue. Colloidal oatmeal added into bath water has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin quickly.
• Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing constrains the skin, causing irritation and itchiness in various body parts. Loose clothing, primarily made from breathable fabric such as cotton, is preferable to reduce friction and prevent irritation. 
• Avoid scratching. It’s important not to scratch if you are suffering from an itchy skin condition because the friction can aggravate the area further. Rather than scratching, soothe your skin by applying a cold compress or topical cream instead.

If you suffer from persistent itching along with additional signs like rashes, swelling, or fever, it’s important you consult a doctor. They will aim to identify the root cause and also draw up effective treatment measures that are specific to your condition. This is not only a matter of comfort, which is itself important, but also to make sure that there isn’t a more serious underlying cause to your issue.

Get Medical Attention if Symptoms Persist

Itching can be a symptom of many different conditions, some of which can be serious. If you consistently feel itchy, talk to a doctor. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. They may also be able to adjust your hydrocodone dose or switch you to another medication if it’s determined that is the cause of your itchiness.  

Some research has shown promising results that may give doctors more ways to treat chronic itching issues resulting from opioid use.[4] In a 2018 study, researchers took a drug that targeted certain opioid receptors linked to itching, and they injected it into the spines of mice. This was found to relieve itching. 

While not a practical long-term treatment, researchers are now working on other, less invasive ways to target those same receptors and address the issue.[5] It’s possible that this research will eventually form the basis of future treatments to reduce the itchiness associated with hydrocodone use.