How to Manage Itchy Skin

In patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, itchy skin can be caused by a number of factors. Dry skin from radiotherapy, reaction from chemotherapy, a response to multiple antibiotics and supportive medications, or just from the cancer itself, itchy skin is a common side effect. Itchy skin can be more than just irritating, however. Our skin is our first line of protection from infection, so when we scratch we are increasing our risk of complications. Therefore, it is worthwhile to learn some strategies to manage itchy skin.

There may not be a way to prevent your skin from becoming itchy, but there are ways to prevent your skin from drying out and from becoming irritated. Here are a few things you can try:

• Keep your skin moist by applying a moisturizing cream to damp skin
• If you live in a dry environment, try a humidifier
• Keep your fingernails trimmed and smooth, wear gloves on your hands and socks on your feet at night to prevent scratching
• Try moisturizing hand sanitizer in place of soap/water if you need to wash your hands frequently. Apply lotion after washing hands, too.
• Avoid tight or irritating clothing
• Avoid showering in hot water, try lukewarm instead

Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself with some itchy skin. In fact, itchy skin can become so irritating that it can affect your sleep and lifestyle. There are a few things you can do to try and decrease the itchy sensation:

• Apply creams as directed
• Take any medications that your healthcare provider has ordered for itch relief on a regular basis
• Try alternatives to scratching such as pressure, massage, cool compresses, vibration or gentle rubbing (make sure not to get carried away!)
• Use distraction techniques such as guided imagery or relaxation

Itchy skin can be a very annoying side effect of cancer and cancer therapy. But more than that, itchy skin can lead to scratching, which can cause skin breakdown and infection. While there may not be a way to entirely prevent itchy skin from occurring, there are things you can do to minimize the problem and manage it without scratching.

_Sources

_{Otto, S. Protective Mechanisms. In Otto, S. (ed) (2001) Oncology Nursing 4th ed St. Louis: Mosby. (pp. 917- 948)}

_{Seiz, A., Yarbro, C. Pruritis. In Yarbro, C., Frogge, M., Goodman, M. (eds) (1999) Cancer Symptom Management 2nd ed. Subury: Jones and Bartlett.}