Dry skin

[Winchie]

I have been noticing patches of dry skin. I have been on hydroxyurea for about a month. I am using lotion but I’m wondering if there’s some kind of oil,/lotion that I should be using on my scalp to prevent dryness. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Scottishterrier]

Hi winchie I had that problem it is to do with the Hu you can make an appointment with your doctor you can get an ointment that you can use their is one called doublebase ointmentStay safe

Scottish terrier

[Winchie in reply to Scottishterrier]

Thank you so much. I will check with my doctor

[Scottishterrier in reply to Winchie]

Try to get them to prescribe doublebase it is more an emollient thick cream have you been out in the sun if so please keep using factor 50Stay safe

Scottish terrier

[Winchie in reply to Scottishterrier]

Okay thanks, at first I was out in the sun and I got a rash on my arms so now I have to stay out of the sun. I try to cover up going to and from my car. I try to go outside mainly early in the morning and in the evening unless I’m covered up .

I just realized that the sun is hitting my forehead while driving and that’s why I was getting the rash. So today I wore a visor with a lot of sunscreen.

[Innessant]

Hi, I am 65 year old male and have the same PV problem. Hydroxyurea has been great in the fact that it is working on lowering my white cell count. However I am noticing more dead skin and daily light itchiness (arms)...although I have begun showering again as post shower pruritis is manageable.I have found that even Nivea (contains 70% water) causes some mild itchiness although helps with the dead skin.

[JP1952 in reply to Innessant]

Hi, you could try an oil based moisturizer, I use hydramol and it can be used in the shower as a soap or after as moisturizer . Although at the moment I am not suffering from aquagenic pruritus I use it for my dry burning legs.

[Innessant in reply to JP1952]

Thanks,,,hydramol. I shall see if I can try some

[Winchie in reply to JP1952]

Thank you

[plum27]

I was on hydroxyurea for the first couple of years. I developed thin, delicate, dry skin, thin, curled nails and significant arthritis in my hips and knees. I then switched to interferon and those problems mostly resolved over the following year or two. My skin is not as elastic as it was, but I am several years older in the meantime. My nails remain a bit thin but at least they are growing straight again. The arthritis, which had become a significant handicap, has almost completely resolved. I am able to sit, walk and run comfortably again. Even hiking for several hours doesn't bother me. You are early days and may not have nearly the adverse reaction to hydroxyurea that I did. I understand that many people do well on it for many years. But keep paying attention to the side effects and discuss them with your doctor. As for oil or lotion on your scalp, mine scalp is oily so I don't need any more, so no recommendations.

[CraftySpider in reply to plum27]

Hi Plum27 , I was very interested in your reply , as I have been on HU for 18 years and have severe pain and problems with my hip…as I have hypermobile joints , it had never occurred to me that it might be the Hu…will have to ask Haematologist about that one.

[Cityreach]

I asked my GP for double base and they refused said I would need to buy it, gave me zero base which she told me I probably wouldn't like as thick and greasy, didn't make sense really but point blank refused double base on the grounds the itching is a side effect not the primary issue

[Inca]

Hi Winchie,I have had dry patches on my skin ever since I started Hydrea 12 yrs ago,now I take Jakafi ...the best thing I find is pure Argan oil.& it keeps your hair in great condition,tho actually my scalp does not get dry patches.Give it a try.Best wishes.

[Winchie in reply to Inca]

Thanks so much. I will see if I can find it somewhere. I have vitamin E oil in the cabinet and put that on my forehead and that seemed to help. I think it was caused by the sun because my forehead was the only thing that was not covered due to a mask

[Winchie in reply to Inca]

I see it is on Amazon so I’ll just order it, thanks

[Wyebird in reply to Inca]

I love argon oil too. I still use it every where but when googling coconut oil came up for hair so I use that just on the hair as a treatment every few weeks.

[Winchie in reply to Wyebird]

Thank you

[Inca in reply to Wyebird]

Haven’t tried that,quite happy with the argan oil,yes I use it face & body too.Here in France it is very popular & easy to get the very pure oil.I like to leave it on my hair a day or two if I am just at home,then shampoo.

[Wyebird in reply to Inca]

That’s good to know. Thanks

[ChillyAsh34]

I am on hydroxycarbamide I get dry skin ,argan body lotion cleared mine BM s £1-49 and Argan hair oil for hair and scalp BM s 99p I use lotion all over everyday no problems now, I use Argan conditioner too

[Winchie in reply to ChillyAsh34]

Where do you buy this? I realize my forehead skin seem to be peeling a little and then I saw a rash toward the sides on the hairline and I’m thinking this was the only part of my face that was uncovered due to a mask so it has to be from the sun. I think I will have to start wearing a hat or visor .

[ChillyAsh34 in reply to Winchie]

BMs store or homebargains

[Winchie in reply to ChillyAsh34]

Thanks I ordered online from Amazon

[Wyebird in reply to ChillyAsh34]

Aaagghh that’s mega cheap. Do you mean B and M? Thanks

[ChillyAsh34 in reply to Wyebird]

Yes B&M store it works well body lotion and hair oil also conditioner ,hair is not left greasey or skin it's also in home bargains

Lotion ,hair oil

[Wyebird in reply to ChillyAsh34]

Thanks for that I’ve just stocked up from Holland and Barrett . X

[Wyebird]

I didn’t have scalp issues whilst on hu but noticed very dry hair and itchy scalp when swapping over to Peg. I would thoroughly recommend coconut oil. Put it all over your hair and leave for about 20 mins. I put a shower cap on. Then wash your hair as usua. It’s really cheap.