Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream for Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac, Camping & Hiking First Aid, 1 oz 2 Pack
Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream for Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac, Camping & Hiking First Aid, 1 oz 2 Pack
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Why you'll love it
- Maximum-strength 1% hydrocortisone delivers the strongest OTC relief available without a prescription
- Triple oat, aloe, and vitamin E nourish skin while treating the itch, not just masking it
- Fragrance-free, dye-free, non-comedogenic formula is safe for sensitive and reactive skin
- Backed by Aveeno, a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand for over 70 years
- 2-pack format offers better value and lets buyers stash a tube at home and one in a bag or car
- Multi-condition versatility replaces the need for several single-purpose itch products
Perfect for
- Relieve itching and inflammation from eczema or psoriasis flare-ups
- Soothe skin reactions after contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac
- Treat itchy insect bites and minor skin irritations while camping or hiking
- Calm rashes triggered by soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry
- Keep a 2-pack tube in both a home medicine cabinet and a travel bag for on-the-go relief
At a Glance:
1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, 1 oz.
A maximum-strength formula for effective, longer-lasting itch relief.
This maximum-strength anti-itch cream formula with skin-soothing Active Naturals Triple Oat Complex, aloe, and vitamin E, provides temporary relief from the itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, rashes due to eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, insect bites, poison ivy/oak/sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry.
Active Naturals Colloidal Oatmeal
Locks in moisture and helps prevent dry skin.
The Aveeno brand is most trusted for its use of natural ingredients. Oat is the natural ingredient most recommended by dermatologists. As a skin protectant active ingredient, oatmeal can help restore skin's normal pH and aid in the maintenance of skin's moisture barrier helps prevent and protect dry skin.
Oat:
Oatmeal baths have long been recommended for people with a variety of sensitive skin conditions. That’s because the special properties of oat give it an enhanced ability to absorb moisture and relieve dry, itchy, irritated skin.
In 1945, the founders of the Active Naturals Brand developed a special milling process to create colloidal oatmeal. This finely ground oat locks in moisture and retains the soothing effects of the whole oat grain, relieving dry or irritated skin.
Colloidal Oatmeal:
Active Naturals Colloidal Oatmeal can serve as a skin protectant. It has the ability to attract moisture to the skin and to form a protective barrier.
About Aveeno Brand
From humble beginnings in 1945, the story of the Aveeno Brand has been one of discovery. By unlocking nature’s powers through scientific advances, they have discovered ways to nurture and transform skin and hair to an enhanced state of natural health and beauty.
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Product Information
1-ounce tube of Maximum-Strength Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and formulated to provide longer-lasting relief for itchy skin
This dye-free, maximum-strength hydrocortisone itch relief cream with triple oat is designed to effectively relieve itch and help soothe skin irritations
The anti-itch cream is specially formulated with triple oat, skin-soothing Aloe, and nourishing Vitamin E for longer-lasting relief from minor skin irritations and rashes
Use maximum strength 1% hydrocortisone cream on skin affected by eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, poison ivy, oak, or sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry for temporary itch relief
From the dermatologist-recommended skincare brand for over 70 years, Aveeno uses the goodness of nature and the power of science to keep skin healthy looking and feeling balanced
Maximum Strength Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream with a fragrance-free, dye-free, non-comedogenic formula designed for longer-lasting itch relief. Enriched with Triple Oat, Aloe and Vitamin E, this skin-soothing cream provides temporary relief from the itching associated with minor skin irritations and rashes due to eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, poison ivy/oak/sumac, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry. From the dermatologist-recommended skincare brand for over 70 years, Aveeno uses the goodness of nature and the power of science to keep your skin looking healthy and feeling balanced.
Items Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the 1 oz tube fit in my hiking backpack and daypack pockets?
Yes. The 1 oz tube is compact and TSA-friendly, and the 2-pack lets you keep one in your pack and one in your car or tent without adding noticeable weight.
Can I use this cream to treat poison ivy, oak, and sumac reactions in the backcountry?
Yes. The 1% hydrocortisone is the maximum OTC strength for relieving the inflammation and itching caused by contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
Will the tube hold up in camping gear, garden sheds, and hot cars?
The tube is durable and the cap seals tightly, so it can be stored in a glovebox, garden shed, or backpack without leaking. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat above 104°F to preserve the formula.
Does this work fast enough on bug bites to keep me comfortable on the trail?
Yes. Hydrocortisone begins reducing itching and inflammation shortly after application, so most users find quick relief during long hiking days.
Can I use the same cream on multiple outdoor irritations like bites, scrapes, and plant rashes?
Yes. The multi-condition formula is designed for insect bites, minor skin irritations, and plant-based rashes, making it a versatile outdoor first aid staple.
Is this a good addition to my camping first aid kit?
Yes. It replaces several single-purpose itch products and covers the most common backcountry skin issues: bites, plant contact, and minor irritations.
Will it help with chigger and mosquito bites after a day on the trail?
Yes. The 1% hydrocortisone reduces the inflammatory reaction to insect saliva, which is what causes the persistent itch from mosquito and chigger bites.
Can I keep one tube in my garden shed and one in my car?
Absolutely. The 2-pack format is designed for exactly that scenario: one at home, one on the go, so you always have relief within reach.
Is this cream water-resistant enough to use while fishing or swimming?
The cream is water-based and will need to be reapplied after swimming or heavy sweating, but it absorbs well into the skin to provide relief during the activity.
Does it work on sunburned, wind-burned, or heat-rashed skin?
It can soothe the inflammation and itch associated with minor sunburn, windburn, and heat rash, though severe burns should be evaluated by a medical professional.
How does this compare to calamine lotion for poison ivy relief?
Calamine lotion provides cooling and drying but does not actively reduce inflammation. Aveeno's 1% hydrocortisone tackles the underlying inflammation for faster, longer-lasting relief from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
Is this better than carrying a dedicated insect bite pen?
Bite pens offer localized heat or mild numbing but rarely treat the inflammatory response. The hydrocortisone cream treats the inflammation itself, which is the source of the itch.
How does this compare to Benadryl cream for outdoor itch relief?
Both can relieve itch, but hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid that often works better on contact dermatitis from plants, while diphenhydramine is an antihistamine better suited to histamine-based allergic reactions. Many outdoor enthusiasts carry hydrocortisone for plant-based rashes.
Is 1% hydrocortisone too aggressive for a mild mosquito bite?
For a single mild bite it may be more than needed, but for clusters, delayed reaction bites, or sensitive skin it provides fast, effective relief without prescription strength.
Will the tube leak or break in my backpack on rough terrain?
The cap seals securely and the tube is flexible but durable. For extra protection, store it in a small zip pouch inside your pack.
What if I am on a multi-day trip and run out of cream?
The 2-pack helps prevent this by giving you a backup tube. For multi-week trips, consider carrying a third small tube as part of your extended first aid kit.
How do I apply Aveeno Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream?
Apply a thin layer to the affected area no more than three to four times daily. Gently rub in until absorbed. Adults and children two years and older can use it, but do not use for longer than seven days unless directed by a doctor.
Can I use this cream on my face?
Yes, it can be used on small facial areas affected by irritation, but avoid the eye area, do not use on mucous membranes, and consult a doctor before prolonged facial use.
How should I store the tubes to keep the formula fresh?
Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F, with the cap tightly closed. Avoid extreme heat or direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children and pets.
Is this product compatible with sensitive skin moisturizers and cleansers?
Yes. The fragrance-free, dye-free, non-comedogenic formula layers well with most gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and serums without pilling or causing interactions.
Can I use this cream alongside my prescription topical medications?
In most cases yes, but apply them at different times of day and consult your dermatologist to avoid interactions, especially if you are using prescription retinoids, steroids, or acne treatments.
What is included in the 2-pack and what do I need to buy separately?
You receive two 1 oz tubes of Aveeno Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream. No additional items are required for use, though you may want to pair it with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer.
Is this product safe for daily long-term use?
It is intended for short-term use of up to seven days. For chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, consult a dermatologist for a long-term management plan.
What should I do if my symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week?
Stop use and consult a healthcare provider. Persistent or worsening symptoms may require a stronger prescription treatment or further evaluation.
What is the difference between hydrocortisone cream and an anti-itch cream with pramoxine or menthol?
Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid that treats the source of the itch, while pramoxine and menthol are topical anesthetics that numb the sensation. Hydrocortisone is often more effective for inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.
