A Cooling and Soothing Menthol Cream to Assist in the Management of Severe Itch

Healthcare professional?
Member of the public?

MenthAq® is a 10% topical Menthol Cream which can be used to assist in the management of severe itch.

MenthAq® can help to deliver a cooling, soothing and relieving effect when applied to severely itchy, irritated and over-heated intact skin.

Severe pruritus or itch can be associated with many pathologies, including chronic inflammatory skin diseases, peripheral neuropathic dysesthesia(1), liver and kidney disease(2,3), certain cancers(4)(5) and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy(6), as well as some conditions managed in palliative care(7).

Recent guidelines for managing pruritus, along with clinical experience, suggest the use of menthol cream can help alleviate the discomfort with the cooling effect it brings to the skin(8).
 
MenthAq® can be applied as frequently as required and is SLS and parabens-free.
 
Please note: MenthAq® is not for use in children under the age of 3 years. It should only be used on children over 3 years under the direction of a clinician.

Why use MenthAq®?

Menthol has been used traditionally as a medicinal aid for many decades.
 
Frequently used in Dermatology, it is of natural plant origin and known for delivering a cooling and antipruritic effect when applied topically to the skin.
 
Containing menthol, MenthAq® helps bring relief to itchy, irritated and over-heated skin.

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases

Peripheral neuropathic dysesthesia

Liver disease

Conditions managed in palliative care

Kidney disease

Certain cancers and cancer treatments

Available on Prescription

MenthAq® is available on prescription and listed on the NHSBSA dm+d database and has a lower cost than generic Menthol in Aqueous Cream on the Drug Tariff.

Members of the public: ask your doctor, nurse, or dermatologist to prescribe Sebco® by name.

Available to Buy

You can also purchase it in our Amazon store or find it /order it via your local pharmacy.

For Healthcare Professionals

Request a Sample

Submit a request to receive samples of MenthAq® into your department.
(for healthcare professionals)

Arrange a Meeting

Discuss MenthAq® further with us, either face-to-face, via phone call, or online.
(for healthcare professionals)

Request a Formulary Pack

Submit a request to receive a MenthAq® formulary pack.
(for healthcare professionals)

MenthAq® Resources

Browse our latest product information and expert-led advice.

FAQs

MenthAq® (menthol in aqueous cream) can help to deliver a cooling, soothing and relieving effect when applied to severely itchy, irritated and over-heated intact skin, often caused by conditions including chronic inflammatory skin diseases, peripheral neuropathic dysesthesia(1), liver and kidney disease(2,3), certain cancers(4)(5) and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy(6), as well as some conditions managed in palliative care(7).

Known for its cooling, soothing and anti-itch properties when applied to the skin, Menthol can be found in both prescription and over-the-counter medications for a range of different conditions. It is also used in Dermatology where it is frequently prescribed for its anti-itch properties.

MenthAq® anti-itch cream helps to cool and soothe the skin when applied topically, by activating the TRPM8 receptor in the skin which responds to stimuli including temperature and, as a result, helps to alleviate itch.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or dermatologist to prescribe MenthAq® by name. You can also purchase it in our Amazon store or find it /order it via your local pharmacy.

Additional Information

Directions for Use

Apply to clean dry skin as often as required.

Age Guidance

Not for use in children under the age of 3 years. Should only be used on children over 3 years under the direction of a clinician.

Precautions

Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Do not use on broken or damaged skin.

Avoid contact with eyes. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse with water and immediately seek medical advice. In the unlikely event of rash or irritation, discontinue use. Young children should not be allowed to apply this product unsupervised. Do not apply to the face, nose, upper lip or mouth area of infants or young children. Seek medical advice if the product is accidentally swallowed.

Do not induce vomiting. Do not use after the expiry date. Store below 25°C.

Adverse Events

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

Adverse events should also be reported to Derma UK on +44 (0)191 375 9020.

References

  1. PubMed Central: “The distinctive role of menthol in pain and analgesia” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9580369/ Last accessed June 2026
  2. Kidney.org: “Pruritus” https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/pruritus-itchy-skin Last accessed June 2026
  3. BJGP: “Itch and liver” https://bjgp.org/content/65/635/e418 Last accessed June 2026
  4. Cancer Research UK: “Causes of Itching” https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/skin-problems/dealing-with-itching/causes
    Last accessed June 2026
  5. Cancer.gov: “Pruritus” https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/skin-nail-changes/pruritus-pdq Last accessed June 2026
  6. Marie Curie: “Itch in terminal illness” https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/information/symptoms/itch Last accessed June 2026
  7. Patel et al., ‘Menthol: A refreshing look at this ancient compound’. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 57, no 5, 2007, pp. 873-878
  8. BNF: “Topical local antipruritics” https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summaries/topical-local-antipruritics/ Last accessed June 2026

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