A method of treating pruritus (itching) in a subject in need thereof is carried out by administering the subject an active agent in a treatment effective amount, wherein the active agent is a superoxide dismuate (SOD) mimetic. The SOD mimetic can be a complex of a metal (e.g., manganese) and an organic ligand, with suitable organic ligands including porphyrins, polyamines, salens, nitroxides, and fullerenes. Compositions for carrying out such methods are also described.