Itchy skin

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Itchy skin is a common symptom of MPDs, in particular of polycythaemia vera. People with these disorders often suffer from water-induced itching (aquagenic pruritis). The exact cause is not known, and this makes itching difficult to treat. You may feel moderate to severe itching, burning, pricking or stinging after contact with any type or temperature of water. A bath or shower, a swim in the sea or a swimming pool, and even your own sweat can provoke the symptoms, which can last from ten minutes to two hours. The arms, legs and trunk are usually the worst affected. Symptoms can be seasonally dependent, varying from summer to winter.

Some patients have found non-medical ways to relieve these symptoms. There are no guarantees that these will help everyone, but you may find something that helps.

Vary the temperature

At the end of your shower, turn the water temperature to as hot as you can bear, and aim at those places that tend to itch. Use a heat pad or hair dryer on the places that tend to itch. Alternatively, try ice or ice water on the affected areas.

Wrap up warm

After a shower put on warm, tight fitting clothes. Sometimes it’s the cooling down after a shower that triggers the irritation.

Change how you wash

Try a relaxing bath rather than a shower, and try adding sodium bicarbonate to the bath water.  If water causes you problems, try using aloe vera baby wipes instead and minimize the frequency of showers and baths.

Change your cleanser

One remedy that works well for some patients is to use an emollient cleanser (like E45 or Cetaphil) instead of soap, and use a medicated shampoo (Polytar or similar).

Change the time

If you prefer a shower to a bath, try showering at night rather than in the morning.

Break out in a sweat

Participating in sports (and sweating) before your shower may also reduce the severity of itching.

Choose food and drinks with care

Stimulants such as coffee and chocolate or sugar may make the itching worse.

Rub, don’t scratch

Try rubbing or massaging your skin gently in a circular motion.

Try whatever works for you

There are reports that spraying yourself with hair spray can reduce itchiness.  Another suggestion is taking one teaspoon of Piriton syrup at bedtime, giving relief in approximately 30 minutes.

I have PV and itchy skin is driving me crazy. What can I do?