Interferon and itchy toes

[hansyhand]

Hi all, this might be a daft question but I'll ask it anyway I've just started interferon (pegasys) and I have horribly itchy middle toes on both feet. I trained as a podiatrist but can't really decide what it is. I notice that pruritus is a side effect of interferon but it seems very localised so I don't think it's connected really. Does anyone else have itchy feet!? I'm very lucky in that I've never suffered with the PV itch before.

[AndyT]

I’ve been on Pegasys for 2 years and get dry skin and itching on my arms, legs and face but have never had it on my toes - I guess we all react differently but as you say it may not be connected. Hope you find the cause and cure..!

[hansyhand in reply to AndyT]

Thanks Andy!

[Susana7]

I have itchy feet too! I have been on Pegasys for 2.5 years, with excellent results - normal bloods and minimal side effects. I have PV, but thankfully have not experienced the generalised itching that is often a symptom. It is just my feet that are itchy. Difficult to say if it is because of the Peg or the PV, though. X

[hansyhand in reply to Susana7]

Thanks Susana. I don't think it's connected and I've probably made it much worse by scratching!

[bjay22]

So weird. I don’t take pegasys but am experiencing itchiness on just my right foot... just on the top of my middle toe. I was recently diagnosed ET, jak2 positive and have started taking hydroxyurea. The toe itchiness started happening a few months ago and I never had this before. It’s the strangest thing because whatever is making this spot itch is always there but I can’t see anything like redness or a bug bite.

[hansyhand in reply to bjay22]

Me too! My middle toes aren't red until I've scratched them (there's really nothing to see until I attack them) but goodness they are itchy!