Final answer:
To control skin inflammation, drugs such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone and prednisone, are used. These medications work by reducing histamine production and suppressing the immune response to alleviate itching and inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drugs used for reducing skin inflammation include various antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction, to alleviate itching and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs can further reduce symptoms by targeting other aspects of the inflammatory pathway, and they may include antileukotriene and antiprostaglandin medications. Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, are also commonly used and work by suppressing the local production of histamine in the skin, thereby reducing inflammation and related symptoms like itching (pruritus) and rashes.
For severe allergy symptoms, systemic corticosteroids like prednisone might be prescribed, which work by downregulating the immune system's inflammatory response. However, long-term use of these medications can have adverse effects, such as increased susceptibility to infections.