Final answer:
Chemical mediators like histamine released from mast cells cause cutaneous itching. Hydrocortisone in moisturizing creams can alleviate this by reducing histamine production and suppressing the immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical mediators of cutaneous itch, primarily involve mast cells which release substances like histamine, cytokines, serotonin, and bradykinin upon allergen exposure. These mediators initiate an inflammatory response leading to symptoms such as itching or pruritus. Histamine, for example, interacts with nerve endings causing itching; cytokines and other mediators contribute to inflammation.
In terms of treatment, substances found in moisturizing creams, such as hydrocortisone, a synthetic corticosteroid, can alleviate itching. Hydrocortisone reduces the local production of histamine and limits the immune response, which effectively suppresses inflammation and provides symptomatic relief for conditions such as pruritus. However, hydrocortisone in moisturizing creams typically addresses the symptoms rather than the cause of the allergic reaction.