Method for the treatment of itching

A method for the treatment of itching in a mammal comprising administering to the affected area a topical formulation containing an effective amount of a 1,4-naphthoquinone of the formula ##STR13## wherein either R or R' is a hydroxyl or a methoxy group and the other one of R or R', is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, methyl, methoxy, quaternary amine, a cycloalkyl group containing 3 to 7 carbon atoms, an alkyl, 1-alkylaminoalkyl, 1-alkenyl or alkanoyl groups of 2 to 3 carbons, and wherein the aromatic ring of said 1,4-naphthoquinone is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more groups selected from the group consisting of a halogen, phosphates, nitrates, sulphates, methoxy, carboxy, carboxylates or carboxy alkyl groups where the alkyl group comprises 2 to 3 carbons, hydroxy or hydroxylates, quaternary amines, glucosyl or glucosylamine groups, branched or straight chain alkyl groups comprising 2 to 3 carbons and methyl groups, or an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, to relieve the itching.