itchy, itchy skin?

[OaktownA]

hi everyone,

I know skin can get dry and itchy in winter - but my husband seems exceptionally itchy (mainly arms and legs, a bit on his back too) to the point that he is starting to have tiny scabs. Yes, not pleasant to write (or read) about! The itchy areas have small but visible bumps. He’s not one for moisturizing, but I’ve gotten him some cortisone cream in hopes of alleviating it.

I feel like I’ve read people talking about itchy skin as another fun side effect of CLL; am I making that up? Has anyone else experienced/is experiencing this? Or is he just in need of a major spa day and deep hydration treatment?

Wishing everyone a burst of renewal and good health in 2024, and lots of strength and self-care to the caregivers out there, too.

Andrea

[scryer99]

try this thread, similar issues and solutions.... healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

my itchiness has gotten worse with the US Northern winter and resulting dry air, but the underlying cause may be CLL or treatment-related.

[Suzieinwv]

Hi OaktownA. I have also had issues with the itching, and mostly on my arms, particularly on my left arm around my bicep area. And I have also had the tiny scabs form. I will see very small red bumps that look pretty insignificant, but the itching is intense & relentless. Mine happens mostly at night, and it doesn’t feel like dry skin itching. It feels like systemic itching…like it’s coming from deep inside.

It’s very weird, and I suspect it’s caused by the CLL. I am still on W/W, so it can’t be an allergy to treatment drugs.

I have hydroxyzine (Vistaril) at home I’m going to try and I plan on getting some hydrocortisone cream to apply.

Also, it doesn’t happen every day. Sometimes, a few months will go by and it doesn’t happen. But, when it does flare up…it’s pretty miserable.

Take care.

Suzie

[sylsherbs]

yes my husbands back was very itchy. Once he was diagnosed with CLL doctor said it was one of the signs and we used CBD cream from a reputable store. It worked. My husband who was a sceptic used it once a night. Also he experienced sweating shirt was drenched through the night. Another sign off CLL

[Suzieinwv in reply to sylsherbs]

Hi Sylsherbs,

I haven’t tried the CBD cream. I might try that first, instead of the Visteril, which I find to be very sedating.

Best wishes to you & your husband.

Suzanne

[ladyscream]

Hi OaktownA, yes I too have an annoying itch, upper back, centre to left side. Just where you cannot reach! It too has little bumps that scab over and bleed if I rub them, I have been trying an antihistamine which helps calm them for a while.

I try to keep well moisturised as dry skin can be itchy.

Good luck trying not to scratch, my husband jokes , he'll have to keep me away from the tree in our lane, incase (like a bear) he finds me trying to scratch that itch!

[JEEA]

Dear OaktownA

Itchy skin seems to very common for us with CLL and there have been lots of posts about this in the past that others will direct you to. I get a VERY itchy back at times and have tried various creams, etc. which work to varying degrees at different times.

What I do find most useful is a large soft brush which satisfies my need to scratch without breaking my skin, which seems to be a problem for many of us who find ourselves having to scratch. I bought mine on Amazon. It's called a

" H&S Body Brush Back Scrubber Long Handle Bath Shower Brush Natural Bristles Dry Skin Exfoliating Cellulite Brush Bamboo Wood"

Ladyscream--you might find this brush useful too. I've been known to rub against the back of my chair when out with friends and just need to scratch! A tree could be useful!

Picture below.

Eleanor

Picture of a brush.

[JDG45]

Itchy skin here as well. Started in the armpits, both of them, then travelled down to my wrists. The only thing that worked was Capsaicin. Initially the itch intensified, strangely enough it felt good, but only lasted a day or two then completely subsided. I am in the Majic trial with A and V. When it happened I was in cycle 6.

[GerryPL]

My son is a Consultant Dermatologist in the largest Dermatological hospital in the UK, obviously he can't comment on specific cases without seeing them but his general advice is very straightforward. Avoid using soap as much as possible and use one of the specific Dermatological creams (e.g. in the UK not sure about USA Dermol or Epaderm) use them for general hand washing and showering etc. I also use Epaderm ointment at night, its very greasy so I apply it and then rub gently with a cotton rag just to leave a fine coating, apart from my feet when I apply a thicker coating and put some cotton socks on, similarly with cotton gloves on hands.

I think its a personal matter but I tried Cortisone cream and found that whilst it had a quick beneficial effect that wore off and I felt my skin was thinner after using it.

[Pacificview]

All this reading about itching is making me itch! Yes, itching definetly occurs with CLL/SLL. It also is one of the side effects that I have experienced on Obin/Ven 1 yr combo.I occasionally use a moistureizer and steroidal cream when its bad. The worst is on my shins at times.

I have had months of allergic reaction itching to O & V. Which I would beat down with Benedryl. It usually starts with an itch in one area and then starts spreading. Then my alarm bells go off and I beat it down before it gets worse.

Thank God for Benedryl.

[CycleWonder]

I have an itchy back, in a hard place to reach. I use a plastic serving spoon and apply the cream I use to the back of the spoon. Then I can reach that spot before going t.o bed and again in the morning.

I recommend seeing a dermatologist and using the cream they recommended. My itchiness doesn’t go away completely but it is much less. Putting it on at night allows me to go to sleep.