Hi, I’m Irene, a Taiwanese pharmacist working in a Japanese drugstore.
You may know the name MUHI, then find S, Liquid S2a and Alpha SII on the shelf. Let’s match the complete names to their packages and look at the bite, the body area and how you prefer to apply the medicine.
A practical starting point: check MUHI S for ordinary itching or insect bites when you want a non-steroid cream; check Liquid MUHI S2a for bites that tend to become red and swollen when you prefer a sponge applicator; check MUHI Alpha SII for a cream option in that red-and-swollen-bite situation. These are manufacturer-supported selection scenarios. Age, body area and the condition of the skin still decide whether a product is appropriate.
Three complete names: “S” does not always mean steroid-free
Cream｜ムヒS
Class 3 OTC｜No corticosteroid
A starting point for ordinary itching and insect bites when you prefer a cream. The manufacturer describes it as easy to spread, non-sticky and without a white residue. Menthol and camphor provide cooling; this is not a Baby formula.
Manufacturer’s starting-age guide: 3 months.
Liquid｜液体ムヒS2a
Designated Class 2 OTC｜Corticosteroid
The manufacturer’s FAQ points to bites that tend to become red and swollen. A sponge-tip bottle makes direct application to suitable body areas convenient. Its ethanol base, menthol and camphor give a light feel with pronounced cooling.
Manufacturer’s starting-age guide: 6 months.
Cream｜ムヒアルファSⅡ
Designated Class 2 OTC｜Corticosteroid
Positioned for red, swollen, itchy mosquito or mite bites; eczema and contact dermatitis are also labeled uses. Check this option if you prefer a light cream and using a fingertip to control where it goes.
Manufacturer’s starting-age guide: 6 months.
Widespread dry skin with recurring itch and no clear bite needs its cause and skin-care needs checked. Do not automatically choose a more intensive insect-bite product. For infant/child options without menthol, see the MUHI Baby cream, liquid and A1 patch guide; the separate A1 patch does contain menthol.
Understand each ingredient’s role before comparing numbers
- MUHI S: diphenhydramine, not diphenhydramine hydrochloride, relieves itch; glycyrrhetinic acid reduces inflammation. This formula has no corticosteroid.
- Liquid S2a and Alpha SII: both contain diphenhydramine hydrochloride for itch and the corticosteroid dexamethasone acetate for inflammation. Both also contain glycyrrhetinic acid.
- Alpha SII additionally contains crotamiton for itch. That difference does not establish that the cream works faster, lasts longer or suits every more-severe itch.
- All three contain l-menthol and dl-camphor for cooling and itch relief, plus the antiseptic isopropyl methylphenol. An antiseptic ingredient does not make these treatments for pus-producing or fungal infections.
My package-reading tip: Read the whole name. MUHI S has no corticosteroid; Liquid MUHI S2a does. They are different formulas, so choosing between them takes more than deciding whether you like a cream or a bottle.
Full active-ingredient amounts for label checking
These are amounts per 100g of cream or 100mL of liquid, not the amount for one application. Different units and bases do not make a simple effectiveness ranking.
- MUHI S / 100g: diphenhydramine 1.0g; glycyrrhetinic acid 0.3g; l-menthol 5.0g; dl-camphor 1.0g; isopropyl methylphenol 0.1g.
- Liquid MUHI S2a / 100mL: dexamethasone acetate 25mg; diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2.0g; l-menthol 3.5g; dl-camphor 1.0g; glycyrrhetinic acid 0.2g; isopropyl methylphenol 0.1g.
- MUHI Alpha SII / 100g: diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2.0g; dexamethasone acetate 25mg; l-menthol 3.5g; dl-camphor 1.0g; crotamiton 5.0g; glycyrrhetinic acid 0.2g; isopropyl methylphenol 0.1g.
Liquid S2a lists ethanol as an inactive ingredient. Neither cream lists ethanol, but both still have cooling ingredients. With an allergy history, check the complete inactive-ingredient list in the official sources; a cream is not automatically non-irritating.
Are the labeled uses identical?
All three list itching, insect bites, eczema, dermatitis, contact dermatitis, hives, heat rash and chilblains. MUHI S additionally lists skin erosion, but severe weeping or erosion requires advice before use. This is not permission to apply it to any wound. Liquid S2a has a separate prohibition on wound surfaces and certain other sites below.
Creams and the sponge-tip bottle: how to apply
All three say to apply an appropriate amount to the affected area several times daily. They are for external use only and must not be swallowed. The 100g/100mL formula basis is not a dose. Do not keep adding thick layers just to feel more cooling.
MUHI S and Alpha SII creams
After checking the area is suitable, take an appropriate amount and spread it over the affected skin. The tube lets you first take cream onto a fingertip to control the area. These cooling medicated creams are not all-over moisturizers. Alpha SII’s leaflet also advises keeping the area clean and avoiding scratching. Keep both out of the eyes.
Liquid S2a: wet the sponge before spreading
- Slowly press the applicator against a suitable affected area several times so liquid soaks into the sponge. If flow is difficult, the leaflet suggests pressing on firmer skin such as the back of the hand.
- Check that the sponge is wet, then apply. This is a sponge-tip applicator, not a spray.
- Do not coat the same spot in another ointment or cream and then rub this sponge over it; the leaflet warns this can damage the sponge.
- Close the cap firmly after use to prevent leakage. Do not cover the treated area with plastic wrap or another poorly breathable material.
A practical reminder: A sponge bottle is convenient for body areas where direct application is suitable. A bite on a child’s face needs a separate site check. Keep the bottle away from the eyes and ask the pharmacist if you are unsure about the location.
“Do not use” and “ask before use” are different
Restrictions shared by Liquid S2a and Alpha SII
- Do not apply to chickenpox, athlete’s foot/ringworm or other fungal infections, or pus-producing affected areas.
- Do not use over a large facial area or continuously long term.
- Liquid S2a additionally prohibits use on wound surfaces, around the eyes and on mucous membranes. Alpha SII cream does not list the exact same site prohibitions. It remains external-use only and must be kept out of the eyes; ask a pharmacist if you are unsure whether an area is suitable.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist or registered OTC seller first
For all three: ongoing medical treatment, a history of allergy to medicines or similar substances, or severe weeping/erosion. Liquid S2a and Alpha SII also specifically list pregnancy or possible pregnancy and a large affected area. MUHI S contains no steroid, but its manufacturer does not recommend genital use because its cooling ingredients may cause strong irritation or pain.
How do 5–6 days and the 2-/4-week guidance fit together?
Stop promptly and seek advice with the leaflet if a rash, redness, itching or swelling develops after use. The two steroid-containing products additionally list fungal infection, acne, suppuration or persistent irritation at the treated site. Alpha SII also lists contact dermatitis, dryness, irritation, heat and stinging. If symptoms worsen, do not wait 5–6 days or simply switch to EX and carry on.
If medicine gets in an eye, rinse immediately with water or lukewarm water. Persistent redness, pain or tearing needs an eye doctor.
Three storage checks
- Keep tightly closed in a cool place away from direct sunlight and out of children’s reach; the creams also require low-humidity storage. Keep the original container.
- Do not use after the printed expiry. Even within that date, use promptly after opening.
- Liquid S2a contains ethanol: keep away from fire and avoid dripping it on painted furniture, plastics, glasses, jewelry or leather. It is not an all-over body spray.
The short version
Check the skin and the complete name first. MUHI S is a non-steroid cream. Liquid S2a and Alpha SII contain dexamethasone acetate and differ in formulation, inactive ingredients and application. For the separate PVA formulas, see the MUHI Alpha EX liquid and cream guide. Age, body area, duration and broken or weeping skin are more useful information for the pharmacist than asking which product is strongest.
Frequently asked questions
Are MUHI S and Liquid MUHI S2a the same medicine?
No. MUHI S is a non-steroid cream containing diphenhydramine. Liquid S2a contains dexamethasone acetate and diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Check their different formulas, starting-age guidance and application restrictions separately.
Does Alpha SII’s extra itch ingredient make it better?
Not automatically. Alpha SII contains crotamiton, but the number of ingredients does not prove faster or longer relief for every person. Symptoms, formulation, body area and precautions all matter.
Do all three contain menthol?
Yes. MUHI S, Liquid S2a and Alpha SII all contain menthol and camphor. Both creams have cooling ingredients too. Steroid-free does not mean menthol-free.
What are the manufacturer’s starting-age guides?
MUHI S: 3 months. Liquid S2a and Alpha SII: 6 months. These are manufacturer guides, not encouragement to self-select treatment for a baby. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about younger infants or an unexplained rash.
Can I switch to EX if the itch has not improved?
After 5–6 days without improvement, stop these products and seek advice. Stop earlier if symptoms worsen or side effects appear. Do not use a switch to EX to extend unsuccessful self-treatment.
Do the 2-week facial and 4-week other-site figures mean I can keep applying it?
No. Those figures remain in the current Liquid S2a and Alpha SII leaflets as guidance against prolonged continuous use, but 5–6 days without improvement triggers stopping and consultation sooner. Do not use over large facial areas; the liquid also prohibits use around eyes, on mucous membranes and on wound surfaces.
Official sources and product images
Checked 8 October 2026 against current Japanese product pages, Japanese leaflets/carton labeling and manufacturer FAQs. Versions sold in other countries may differ.
- MUHI S: current product, formula and original photograph
- MUHI S: current carton directions
- Liquid MUHI S2a: current product, formula and original photograph
- Liquid MUHI S2a: Japanese leaflet
- MUHI Alpha SII: current product, formula and original photograph
- MUHI Alpha SII: Japanese leaflet
- Official FAQ: Alpha SII and Alpha EX selection scenarios
- Official FAQ: Liquid S2a and Liquid Alpha EX selection scenarios
- Official FAQ: MUHI S is not recommended on the genital area
Original product images: Ikeda Mohando, reproduced for identification and comparison with the full original packaging and marks retained; not to scale. Copyright and trademarks remain with their respective owners. This guide does not replace individual medical advice or the full label supplied with your product.
