Hi all,
For the last two weeks,I have terrible irresistible kind of itching in my thighs and only happens when I go to sleep.It is so worse that it is causing bleeding.I thought it would go away and as there is no itching after shower both warm and cold,I thought it's not related to polycythemia.....taking cetrizine helped yesterday.....idk what is happening......and why it is happening only at night ..
Hi, I’m not sure why itching is worse at night but so is joint pain usually. Ask Gp or haem for stronger anti histamines, use a good moisturiser (I use Aveeno or Olay) - lots of it! Keep well hydrated, wear as much cotton as you can next to the skin. I have also being trying out a cool pillow which I bought from Amazon (I chose the Sandeman brand) - that definitely helps me. If you can have cotton bed sheets I find that helps too.
Kindest regards Aime
PS if you get an itchy head too, some of the anti dandruff shampoos have an anti itch version.xx😺😺
Itching is only in thighs and only when I go to sleep.not even while having dinner.as soon as I try to go to sleep it starts.....it's 3 am here and still awake due to it.
Hi viplum12.
I am Et Calr, so I’m unable to relate to P. V.
All I can say that I’ve experienced symptoms at night too albeit mild. I discussed this with my nurse.
We both agree that whilst active during the day your body is able to disguise them.
It must be awful for you. I do hope someone can offer some help.
Idk if that is the case.Coz while having dinner it's not there....as soon as Iam on bed,starts with little itch....and another sleepless night
Hey. I’ve been fighting this issue too. Mine acts up with water or when I go to bed. Here’s what’s helped:
Taking my showers earlier in the evening, so it’s not a shower/bedtime double whammy; letting my hematologist know and getting a phlebotomy to lower my symptoms’ severity; keeping moisturized with a lotion that has anti-itch stuff in it (Sarna and Gold Bond for eczema work well - they have different active ingredients, so see what works for you); wearing form-fitting clothing on the areas that itch the most so nothing is rubbing against the skin and starting it up (I have to wear a bra or a shirt with a fitted top when it’s bad because my torso is the area it affects most); and getting non-sateen finish, 100% cotton, high-quality sheets.
I have a steroid cream and a light, light sedative for when it’s extra bad, but since making these changes and getting that phlebotomy in there, it’s really decreased in severity. It was daily for hours before.
I’ve read that it may ramp up at night partially due to the lack of other things to occupy your mind, as Wyebird said already, but also because hormone levels fluctuate with the time of day/your sleep cycle. That can be exacerbated by disturbances to your sleep cycle, such as staying up forever due to this and having to still get up early for work.
Thank you lynxfluff....cud u tell me what lotion u use??
Sure. I’ve had pretty good luck with Sarna Sensitive (amazon.com/Sarna-Sensitive-... and Gold Bond for eczema (amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OW9OT....
They can’t stop the itching once it begins, but keeping your skin moisturized and happy is a good prevention method. :3 Good luck!
Thanks 😊
Hi It's Known as "Jock Itch", in the crease between Thigh & Scrotum !
Cleanliness most important,I Use 50/50 mix water and white vinegar,apply leave dry itself if poss,or I use a cream called "Itch Guard " Oh The Relief !! Wearing Cotton Clothing is Best.
Actually it starts just above my knees...idk if itch guard would b helpful
Hi vipulm12. I too suffer from horrendous night time itching - mines an all over body itch. Antihistamines haven't touched it. The only thing I can suggest doing which affords a bit of relief is to keep your body lotion in the fridge. I use a baby cream called Childs Farm. It works well.
Thank you Kari....I'll look if that lotion is available here
Hello Vipulm,
Before my diagnosis of ET, I was suffering from worst itching on my both arms.It was at its peak during night and so intense that I bleed myself while itching. But after I started taking aspirin it subsided initially and gradually disappeared. Plz follow the advice of folks here to hydrate urself and use good quality of moisturiser. I use vit.E cream and its really soothing.wat about ur other tests.plz keep us updated.I often think about you. Fingers crossed for reports in ur favour.
Hi di....bone marrow date will b given on 27th sept...that is when iam having my next appointment with my haem.... hopefully it will give the answers....iam not taking aspirin coz of stomach irritation.....i would ask for some other alternative....
Imuderm might help someone. My dermatologist suggested it to me but made no difference. I’m waiting for a photo-therapy appointment. The sun seems to be the only help for my itch antihistamines worked for a few months.
Itching when going to sleep? Weird for PV tbh. Usually the intense itching is after bathing or activities where you sweat and get hot.
Exactly!!!that is why iam so confused.my haem also ignored this as itching is generally after bathing he said.....
I have itching mainly on my thighs and arms and almost all of the time it happens at night and pretty much as soon as I get into bed. Thankfully its not bad enough to make it bleed but hopefully someone will be able to help you on here.
Could u tell me how u deal with it??
Try slapping the areawith an open palm but you have to do it quite hard so it smarts, generally works by blocking nerves that transmit itching as replaced by active pain fibres. Worth a go as damages nothing.
Itching 
Itching for answers....
Itching
itching skin after showering
