Itchy skin commonly occurs with polycythemia vera. Treatment may include medications, UV therapy, and lifestyle changes, such as applying moisturizer and avoiding triggers.

One of the most common challenges for people with polycythemia vera (PV) is itchy skin. The medical term for this is pruritus. With PV, people might also experience skin itching, burning, stinging, or tickling.

The symptoms can be mild or so severe that they interfere with daily life. However, medications and treatments can help soothe PV itching.

You may need to try a few PV treatments before you find what works for you. Read on for some ideas.

It’s not known why PV causes your skin to itch. Itchy skin is also a common symptom of some other blood cancers.

Older research from 2010 has shown that people with PV tend to have higher levels of mast cells in their blood. Those mast cells can have higher levels of itch-related factors than in people who don’t have PV.

Mast cells are involved in the immune system’s allergic response. They release histamines, which cause allergic symptoms, including itchy skin.

Many people with PV experience night sweats, which are also a common symptom of many types of blood cancer. Sweat on the skin’s surface can make it itch more.

Here are some tips to manage night sweats:

  • Keep your bedroom cool: You may want to open windows or use a fan. Placing a damp washcloth on your forehead can help.
  • Have a quiet bedtime routine: Some people notice that exercising too close to bedtime causes more night sweats. You may also try practicing gentle yoga or meditation before bed.
  • Dress lightly for bed: Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing to bed. Breathable fabrics, such as cotton, are best.

Several prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products might help relieve PV itching.

The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Some options to soothe your itchy skin include:

  • Aspirin: Many people with PV take low dose aspirin daily to thin the blood. Aspirin may also help reduce the itch.
  • Antihistamines: These medications reduce the histamine in your body, which is responsible for a variety of allergic responses, including itchy skin. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend the right OTC or prescription medication for you.
  • Antidepressants: A group of prescription drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be helpful. Regular contact with your healthcare team ensures you have the right type and dose for you.
  • UV light therapy (phototherapy): UV light therapy can be helpful for many skin conditions, including PV itching. It’s done in a medically supervised setting because too much UV can make your skin feel worse.
  • Drugs that block neurotransmitters: Gabapentin and pregabalin stop the body from sending signals that trigger itching.
  • JAK2 inhibitors and interferon-alpha: Some drugs used to treat high-risk PV can also have a therapeutic effect on the itching symptoms.

Dry skin feels itchier. A daily moisturizing routine helps add lubrication and hold moisture in your skin to reduce itching.

Look for a fragrance-free lotion or skin cream made for sensitive skin. Apply after a bath or shower to lock in moisture. You may find that it’s especially helpful in colder weather.

Do your best to avoid scratching, which damages the skin and can make it itchier. This can feel impossible at times.

If you catch yourself scratching, try some deep breathing to take your mind off the discomfort until you can do something about it. Apply moisturizer and a cold cloth as soon as possible.

The following lifestyle strategies can also help to manage itchy skin:

  • Dress comfortably: Soft fabrics and loose-fitting clothing are less likely to irritate your skin. Avoid scratchy tags or seams that cause more irritation.
  • Drink enough fluids: Staying hydrated is important for skin health. Drinking plenty of liquids helps your skin hold on to more moisture.
  • Stay comfortably active: Excess moisture on your skin can make you itchier. Choose activities that feel good for your body, and wear loose-fitting clothing that wicks away sweat.
  • Keep nails trimmed: Keep nails short and smooth to prevent damage to your skin.

Contact with water is one of the most common triggers for people with PV.

Hot or warm water tends to be worse, but even cold water can make your skin itchy. Tracking your symptoms helps you to narrow down your specific triggers.

The following recommendations may help:

  • Avoid hot showers or baths.
  • Don’t use hot tubs.
  • Take shorter and less frequent showers and baths.
  • Use gentle, unscented soaps.
  • Pat skin dry (don’t rub).
  • Use lotion right after bathing or showering.
  • Choose fragrance-free and alcohol-free skin products.

It’s always important to keep your healthcare team up to date with how you’re feeling. Tell your doctor if you notice:

  • a significant increase in PV itching
  • itching affecting a greater area of your body
  • the normal strategies you use to manage your itchiness no longer work
  • open sores from scratching so much
  • any other change in your health

Itchy skin is a common symptom of PV. Medications and UV therapy can help. You can also reduce itchiness by:

  • regularly applying moisturizer to your skin
  • avoiding hot water
  • dressing comfortably

Let your doctor know if you notice a change in your symptoms. They can help you find other strategies to feel better.