At your suggestion, nohrt4me, about a month ago I started taking loratadine (generic Claritin) every day. It has really helped with 1) itchy skin and 2) ease of breathing.
And at my December appointment, the oncologist raised no objection to loratadine.
Lowering our histamine reaction is worth trying!
Of course it's best to check with your own doctor! Having ET means we can't be casual about even OTC medications.
Glad it helped! I hate adding more pills to my daily routine, but that itching can drive you nuts. And, yes, I talk to the doc about OTCs, too. I appreciated people bringing up questions about aspirin recently, which alerted me to ask about NSAIDs
Yes, Dove Sensitive for me. Aveeno is good. They also have a hydrocortisone cream, tho I try not to use that too much. I also use Vanicream products--shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Fragrance free. They work well. I take Claratin every day + Benadryl at night sometimes. It's a constant battle though, I get it!
At your suggestion, nohrt4me, about a month ago I started taking loratadine (generic Claritin) every day. It has really helped with 1) itchy skin and 2) ease of breathing.
And at my December appointment, the oncologist raised no objection to loratadine.
Lowering our histamine reaction is worth trying!
Of course it's best to check with your own doctor! Having ET means we can't be casual about even OTC medications.
On another thread about itchy skin, our incredible monitor Lori suggested trying Dove for Sensitive Skin and Aveeno Oatmeal Body Wash. Cetaphil products were recommended too.
Yes, Dove Sensitive for me. Aveeno is good. They also have a hydrocortisone cream, tho I try not to use that too much. I also use Vanicream products--shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Fragrance free. They work well. I take Claratin every day + Benadryl at night sometimes. It's a constant battle though, I get it!
Question, does anyone with essential thrombocythemia JAK2 taking 500 mg of Hydroxurea twice a day have itchy skin? If so what helps? Drives me crazy in the evening and at bedtime.
On another thread about itchy skin, our incredible monitor Lori suggested trying Dove for Sensitive Skin and Aveeno Oatmeal Body Wash. Cetaphil products were recommended too.
Question, does anyone with essential thrombocythemia JAK2 taking 500 mg of Hydroxurea twice a day have itchy skin? If so what helps? Drives me crazy in the evening and at bedtime.
I've seen lots of comments here about itchy, dry skin, and unfortunately I experience it too. Alas, this is a "gift" of ET. Here's what Google AI has to say:
Itching is a common symptom experienced by people with essential thrombocythemia (ET), a blood disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count; this itching is often referred to as "aquagenic pruritus" as it can worsen significantly after hot showers or baths, and is believed to be caused by the release of histamine from abnormal blood cells within the body.
I've mostly switched from hot showers or bath to bathing with a washcloth at the sink. I have lotion bottles everywhere.
I guess the itching distracts us from the headaches . . . .
Question, does anyone with essential thrombocythemia JAK2 taking 500 mg of Hydroxurea twice a day have itchy skin? If so what helps? Drives me crazy in the evening and at bedtime.
Probably a good rule of thumb: leave a few hours "window" between aspirin and Motrin if you have to take an NSAID. I used to have the proverbial cast-iron stomach, but less so with age.
Good question to discuss with your doc. I'm 70 and asked if I should continue aspirin at my check up in November. Doc said yes, research shows that it's very effective at preventing clots. She did say that I should only occasionally take Motrin and other analgesics with blood-thinning effects. So Tylenol is now my go-to for the weekly headaches and that vague flu-y feeling ET patients sometimes get in the afternoon/evening. I like Motrin better for arthritis/joint pain, but still try Tylenol first.
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Glad it helped! I hate adding more pills to my daily routine, but that itching can drive you nuts. And, yes, I talk to the doc about OTCs, too. I appreciated people bringing up questions about aspirin recently, which alerted me to ask about NSAIDs
At your suggestion, nohrt4me, about a month ago I started taking loratadine (generic Claritin) every day. It has really helped with 1) itchy skin and 2) ease of breathing.
And at my December appointment, the oncologist raised no objection to loratadine.
Lowering our histamine reaction is worth trying!
Of course it's best to check with your own doctor! Having ET means we can't be casual about even OTC medications.
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3 ReactionsYes, Dove Sensitive for me. Aveeno is good. They also have a hydrocortisone cream, tho I try not to use that too much. I also use Vanicream products--shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Fragrance free. They work well. I take Claratin every day + Benadryl at night sometimes. It's a constant battle though, I get it!
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Hug
1 ReactionOn another thread about itchy skin, our incredible monitor Lori suggested trying Dove for Sensitive Skin and Aveeno Oatmeal Body Wash. Cetaphil products were recommended too.
Hope you find something that works for you!
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1 ReactionI've seen lots of comments here about itchy, dry skin, and unfortunately I experience it too. Alas, this is a "gift" of ET. Here's what Google AI has to say:
Itching is a common symptom experienced by people with essential thrombocythemia (ET), a blood disorder characterized by an abnormally high platelet count; this itching is often referred to as "aquagenic pruritus" as it can worsen significantly after hot showers or baths, and is believed to be caused by the release of histamine from abnormal blood cells within the body.
I've mostly switched from hot showers or bath to bathing with a washcloth at the sink. I have lotion bottles everywhere.
I guess the itching distracts us from the headaches . . . .
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4 ReactionsQuestion, does anyone with essential thrombocythemia JAK2 taking 500 mg of Hydroxurea twice a day have itchy skin? If so what helps? Drives me crazy in the evening and at bedtime.
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1 ReactionProbably a good rule of thumb: leave a few hours "window" between aspirin and Motrin if you have to take an NSAID. I used to have the proverbial cast-iron stomach, but less so with age.
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2 ReactionsThank you for sharing this helpful insight about the importance of aspirin.
I was told that if I have to take an NSAID, I should avoid taking it at the same time as aspirin or HU.
Better to let those meds kick in before adding an NSAID into the mix.
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1 ReactionJames the same words my doctor told me, I guess that's a good thing. Wanted to ask him then what will ?
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2 ReactionsThank you!
Jennifer
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