There is disclosed a formulation of a transdermal skin treatment effective in inhibition of itch sensation. In an embodiment, the formulation includes a solvent mixture of alcohols, glycols and water combined to provide a solubility parameter between 20 Pa0.5 and 40 Pa0.5, the solvent mixture having an average normal boiling temperature of at least 100° C., the solvent mixture having at least 0.04 mols/liter of multivalent cations, the solvent mixture containing at least one local anesthetic, and the solvent mixture having pH exceeding 8.0, with a thixotropic flow characteristic accomplished by an organic gellant. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
