Could a common painkiller gel soothe your itch?

NCT ID NCT03997851

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This small study tested whether a gel made from acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) can relieve itching. Seventeen healthy volunteers received different strengths of the gel or a placebo on their skin, then had itch triggered by two different methods. The goal was to see if the gel reduced itch intensity compared to placebo.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

acetaminophen gel

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new over-the-counter option for itch relief, especially for types of itch that antihistamines don't help.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early proof-of-concept study in only 17 healthy people, not patients with chronic itch. The results may not apply to real-world itching conditions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PRURITUS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pruritus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Miami

    Miami, Florida, 33136, United States