I had got a prescription, but the pharmacist told me I didn't need one...could be an Alberta thing, I don't know. The itching is for real, and you have to dab it on, because if you run it on, it will burn. One night I couldn't stand the burning, I had to get up and wash it off. And you are supposed to wash it off in the morning too. Sounds like a lot of hassle, but it really works!