[2] In the United States, around 31.6 million people (roughly 10 percent of the population) have some form of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association. Dermatologists began prescribing antihistamines for eczema because these medications can help with itchy allergic conditions, such as hives and bug bites, says Chu. [4] As research continued, however, it became more clear that histamines were not responsible for itching related to eczema. Research Analysis Could Lead to Guideline ChangesMany allergy and dermatology specialists already recognize that antihistamines often do not adequately address the underlying inflammation that drives eczema. Existing guidelines have been inconsistent in terms of whether they recommend for, against, or make no recommendation at all about the role of antihistamines in eczema, notes Chu.